The role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in disaster response has been controversial for years. Since the chaos of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the agency has faced ongoing criticism for mismanagement, bureaucratic hurdles, and poor coordination. These issues have continued through events like Hurricane Helene, with delays and inadequate resources leaving many communities vulnerable when they need help most.
With President Donald Trump planning to phase out FEMA after this year’s hurricane season and shift disaster response responsibilities to the states, questions remain about how effectively emergencies will be managed in the future.
To understand the full scope of FEMA’s ongoing challenges and what’s at stake, learn more by clicking through this gallery.