Fact Check: "Trump administration denied disaster mitigation funding requests seven times this spring."
What We Know
The claim that the Trump administration denied disaster mitigation funding requests seven times this spring is supported by multiple reports. According to Oklahoma Watch, since March 2025, states such as Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, and Mississippi have experienced severe weather events and have requested assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) administered by FEMA. Unlike the Biden administration, which has been noted for more automatic approvals of such grants, the Trump administration has denied seven requests for disaster mitigation funding during this period. Additionally, six requests were reported to be under review at the same time (Oklahoma Watch).
The context surrounding these denials includes significant weather-related damage in these states, with Oklahoma suffering from wildfires and severe storms that resulted in fatalities and extensive property damage (Oklahoma Watch). Lawmakers from affected states have expressed confusion and concern over the denials, indicating that they are unsure why these requests are being rejected (USA Today).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, coming from credible news sources that report on the actions of the Trump administration regarding disaster relief funding. The reports from Oklahoma Watch and USA Today provide detailed accounts of the specific states impacted and the nature of the requests denied. The sources are reputable and focus on factual reporting, which enhances their reliability.
However, it is important to note that the Trump administration has stated its intention to monitor and manage the approval of HMGP grants more stringently, citing concerns over unallocated federal funds (Oklahoma Watch). This could imply that the denials are part of a broader strategy rather than arbitrary decisions. Nonetheless, the lack of automatic approvals, as highlighted by multiple sources, indicates a significant shift in how disaster relief funding is managed compared to previous administrations.
The claims made by lawmakers, including specific references to the impact of these denials on their states, further corroborate the assertion that seven requests were denied. The emotional and political responses from these lawmakers also reflect the gravity of the situation, as they advocate for necessary funding to aid recovery efforts.
Conclusion
The claim that the Trump administration denied disaster mitigation funding requests seven times this spring is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that these denials occurred in the context of severe weather events affecting several states, and the administration's approach to disaster funding has notably changed compared to prior practices.
