Fact Check: "FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is facing increased scrutiny under Trump."
What We Know
The claim that FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is facing increased scrutiny under Trump is supported by several recent developments. A bipartisan group of over 80 lawmakers has urged the Trump administration to unfreeze funding for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which is a key component of FEMA's hazard mitigation efforts. This program was established by the 2018 Disaster Recovery Reform Act, signed into law by Trump himself, and is designed to help communities prepare for natural disasters (source-1).
In early April 2025, FEMA announced it would cancel all BRIC funding approved from fiscal years 2020 through 2023, labeling the program as "wasteful and ineffective." This decision has drawn significant criticism from various stakeholders, including the National Association of Counties, which expressed concerns that the cancellation would hinder local efforts to secure funding for disaster mitigation projects (source-1).
Additionally, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) praised Trump's Executive Order aimed at holding FEMA accountable for its disaster response, indicating a push for reforms within the agency (source-2). This suggests that scrutiny of FEMA's operations, including its grant programs, is indeed increasing under Trump's administration.
Analysis
The evidence indicates that FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, particularly the BRIC program, is under significant scrutiny due to the recent actions taken by the Trump administration. The bipartisan letter from lawmakers reflects a growing concern about the impact of halting funding on local communities that rely on these grants for disaster preparedness (source-1).
Critics, including the National Association of Counties and the Association of State Floodplain Managers, have labeled the decision to cancel BRIC funding as "beyond reckless," arguing that it will increase disaster risks for communities (source-1). This criticism is bolstered by the fact that Trump has been the first president in decades to deny governors' requests for funding aimed at disaster prevention (source-6).
However, it is also essential to note that the scrutiny is not solely negative; some lawmakers are advocating for reforms to improve FEMA's effectiveness in disaster response and mitigation (source-2). This duality suggests that while there is increased scrutiny, it is part of a broader conversation about how to enhance FEMA's operations rather than a straightforward condemnation of the agency.
Conclusion
The claim that FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is facing increased scrutiny under Trump is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence of heightened scrutiny and criticism regarding the funding and effectiveness of the program, there is also an ongoing dialogue about potential reforms aimed at improving FEMA's overall disaster response capabilities. Thus, the scrutiny encompasses both concerns about funding cuts and discussions about necessary improvements.
Sources
- More than 80 lawmakers from both parties urge Trump to unfreeze FEMA funding. GovExec
- Lankford Applauds POTUS' Push to Hold FEMA Accountable, Advocates for Reform. Lankford Senate
- Trump quietly halts money for preventing disaster damage. E&E News
- States Fear Critical Funding From FEMA May Be Drying Up. ProPublica
- Lawmakers Don't Know Why Trump Keeps Denying FEMA Disaster Mitigation Grant Requests. Notus
