Trump’s Push to Eliminate FEMA Meets Resistance from His Own Team

Advisers on a White House panel reject the president’s proposal to dismantle the agency

During a recent meeting convened by President Donald Trump, a group of senior advisers was presented with the idea of shutting down the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The proposal, which called for the agency to “go away,” was quickly dismissed by the panel.

According to sources familiar with the discussion, the advisers argued that FEMA plays a critical role in coordinating disaster response, providing relief to victims, and supporting state and local governments during emergencies. They emphasized that eliminating the agency would create a dangerous vacuum in the nation’s ability to handle natural and man‑made catastrophes.

One senior official, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “We understand the president’s desire to cut waste, but the reality is that FEMA’s work saves lives and property. We can’t simply discard an agency that is essential to our national resilience.”

The panel’s rejection of the president’s suggestion highlights a growing divide within the administration over how to balance fiscal concerns with the need for robust emergency management. While Trump has repeatedly criticized federal agencies as inefficient, his advisers appear determined to preserve FEMA’s core functions.

Observers note that the debate may prompt a reevaluation of FEMA’s budget and operational priorities rather than a wholesale abolition. As the conversation continues, the agency’s future remains uncertain, but for now, it stays firmly on the federal map.