Breaking: Noem Makes Biggest FEMA Announcement in History - Agency Being Eliminated

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated during a Cabinet meeting on Monday that she intends to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

During the meeting, Noem declared that she was "going to eliminate FEMA," though she did not immediately outline specific plans for the future of the disaster response organization, according to a report by the Daily Beast.

The report highlighted that both Noem and President Donald Trump have previously suggested that individual states should have greater authority over disaster relief efforts rather than relying on a federal agency to oversee responses.

FEMA currently operates as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Last month, Noem reiterated her stance in an interview with CNN, stating that she wants to "get rid of FEMA the way it exists today."

When asked by host Dana Bash whether Trump intended to shut down the agency, Noem responded, "I believe that he will do that evaluation with his team, and he’s talking about it, which I’m grateful for."

She further explained, "He’ll work with Congress, though, to make sure that it’s done correctly and that we’re still there to help folks who have a terrible disaster or crisis in their life."

"He’s been very clear that he still believes there’s a role for the federal government to come in and help people get back up on their feet," she added.

The move to dissolve FEMA coincides with a bipartisan legislative effort led by Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida, and Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida. They have introduced a bill that would restructure FEMA as an independent Cabinet-level agency, as reported by Government Executive.

"As these emergencies continue to grow larger and more widespread, the American people deserve a federal response that is efficient and fast. To achieve that, FEMA should be reformed," Moskowitz asserted in a statement.

"FEMA currently sits under the bureaucracy of [DHS] — and with around 20 other agencies and offices under that umbrella, the set-up simply doesn’t work," he continued.

"DHS has become too big and too slow to oversee what needs to be a quick and flexible emergency response."

Donalds echoed these concerns, labeling FEMA as "overly bureaucratic" and "overly politicized."

In recent weeks, both Trump and his advisers have voiced criticisms of the agency.

Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency, disclosed last month that FEMA had approved a $59 million expenditure for "luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants."

This decision was made despite Trump’s executive orders emphasizing the federal government’s efforts to curb mass illegal immigration.

Additionally, reports indicate that following the devastation of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, some FEMA employees were allegedly instructed to withhold assistance from homeowners who displayed Trump signs or flags on their properties.