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White House Postpones Meeting on FEMA Reform Amid Report Concerns

White House Postpones Meeting on FEMA Reform Amid Report Concerns

White House officials have postponed a meeting that was intended to discuss reforms for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The meeting was to be led by a panel appointed by President Trump, which includes Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The panel was expected to present a report outlining potential reforms for FEMA. However, concerns were raised that the report lacked specific procedural changes necessary for effective reform. The report, which has been in development for nearly a year, aims to address criticisms of FEMA's response to natural disasters such as floods, fires, and hurricanes. The 10-member council includes Republican state and local officials, a veteran FEMA official, and an insurance CEO. The report, still being finalized, suggests downsizing FEMA and keeping it within the Department of Homeland Security, despite some proposals for making it more independent.
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A meeting meant to launch FEMA reforms is abruptly canceled

A meeting meant to launch FEMA reforms is abruptly canceled

A presidentially appointed council's meeting to announce reforms to FEMA was unexpectedly canceled, according to a person familiar with the matter
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White House Cancels Meeting on FEMA Reform Amid Report Concerns

White House Cancels Meeting on FEMA Reform Amid Report Concerns

White House officials have canceled a meeting that was intended to discuss reforms for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The meeting was supposed to feature a panel appointed by President Trump, which had been working for nearly a year to assess FEMA's strengths and weaknesses. The panel's report aimed to streamline FEMA's operations and shift more responsibilities to states, tribes, and territories. However, the meeting was called off due to the need for further vetting of the report, which was criticized for lacking specific procedural changes. The report, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggested downsizing FEMA and converting some aid programs into direct block grants.
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Trump administration unlawfully canceled disaster prevention program, US judge rules

Trump administration unlawfully canceled disaster prevention program, US judge rules

By Nate Raymond BOSTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - A federal judge ruled on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration unlawfully terminated a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant program designed to protect states and communities against natural disasters before they occur. U.S.
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Trump's FEMA Council Proposes Major Overhaul and Downsizing of Agency

Trump's FEMA Council Proposes Major Overhaul and Downsizing of Agency

A task force established by President Trump is set to recommend a significant overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), proposing to cut its workforce by 50% and implement a new block grant system to expedite aid distribution. The recommendations aim to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, shifting more responsibility for disaster response to state and local governments. The council's report, which is expected to be reviewed by President Trump, suggests rebranding FEMA as 'FEMA 2.0' and maintaining its position under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The proposed changes have sparked concern among FEMA veterans and state officials, who fear that reducing the agency's workforce could compromise the nation's preparedness for major emergencies.
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President Trump's FEMA Council Proposes Major Overhaul of Disaster Agency

President Trump's FEMA Council Proposes Major Overhaul of Disaster Agency

A task force under President Trump is recommending a significant overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The proposed changes include reducing FEMA's workforce by 50% and implementing a block grant system to expedite aid delivery to states. The council's report suggests rebranding FEMA as 'FEMA 2.0' and emphasizes shifting more disaster response responsibilities to state and local governments. The recommendations aim to streamline operations and reduce federal involvement in disaster management, while maintaining FEMA under the Department of Homeland Security.
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FEMA Council Proposes Major Overhaul to Shift Disaster Response to States

FEMA Council Proposes Major Overhaul to Shift Disaster Response to States

A task force established by President Trump is set to recommend a significant restructuring of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The proposed changes include reducing FEMA's workforce by 50% and implementing a new block grant system to expedite aid distribution. The recommendations aim to streamline operations and shift more disaster response responsibilities to state and local governments. The council's report, which has been obtained by CNN, suggests rebranding FEMA as 'FEMA 2.0' and maintaining its core missions while emphasizing state-managed emergency management. The council is expected to vote on these recommendations, which will then be reviewed by President Trump. The report also proposes raising the criteria for states to qualify for federal assistance, potentially increasing the financial burden on states for disaster management.
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The Latest: Senate rejects legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits

The Latest: Senate rejects legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits

The Senate has rejected two partisan health bills on expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year
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White House Denies Report of President Trump Considering Replacement of Kristi Noem

White House Denies Report of President Trump Considering Replacement of Kristi Noem

The White House has dismissed a report suggesting that President Trump is contemplating replacing Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. The report, published by The Bulwark, cited unnamed former DHS officials who claimed Trump was considering a change. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson refuted the claims, labeling them as 'total FAKE NEWS' and affirming Noem's effective implementation of the President's agenda. Noem has been central to the administration's immigration policies, which have faced increasing public scrutiny. The report comes amid speculation about potential cabinet changes as the year ends.
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Judge orders the release of an immigrant with ties to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

Judge orders the release of an immigrant with ties to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

A Brazilian woman with family ties to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will be released from immigrant detention while she fights potential deportation
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Judge wants whistleblower to testify in contempt probe of Trump official over planes to El Salvador

Judge wants whistleblower to testify in contempt probe of Trump official over planes to El Salvador

A federal judge investigating whether Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should face a contempt charge over flights carrying migrants to El Salvador wants to hear from a whistleblower and a top Justice Department official
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Mother of White House Press Secretary's Nephew Released from Immigration Detention

Mother of White House Press Secretary's Nephew Released from Immigration Detention

Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew, has been ordered released from immigration detention. Ferreira, a Brazilian national, was detained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and described as a 'criminal illegal alien' due to a previous arrest for battery and overstaying a visa that expired in 1999. However, her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, argued that Ferreira is not a criminal and is not a flight risk. Ferreira, who previously held DACA status and is in the process of obtaining a green card, was ordered released on a minimum bond of $1,500 by an immigration judge. The White House has not commented on the situation.