Shumita Basu

FEMA was created in 1979 by Jimmy Carter and became part of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. The agency essentially works with states before and during disasters. Local officials can apply for disaster declarations, which a president has to approve. That then unlocks federal funds for things like emergency response, debris removal, and restoring infrastructure.

FEMA was created in 1979 by Jimmy Carter and became part of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. The agency essentially works with states before and during disasters. Local officials can apply for disaster declarations, which a president has to approve. That then unlocks federal funds for things like emergency response, debris removal, and restoring infrastructure.

FEMA was created in 1979 by Jimmy Carter and became part of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. The agency essentially works with states before and during disasters. Local officials can apply for disaster declarations, which a president has to approve. That then unlocks federal funds for things like emergency response, debris removal, and restoring infrastructure.

It also earmarks money for people who need help in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. FEMA has been somewhat of a maligned agency. It famously bungled relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina. And recently, similar criticisms have popped up over its response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit North Carolina and Florida last year.

It also earmarks money for people who need help in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. FEMA has been somewhat of a maligned agency. It famously bungled relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina. And recently, similar criticisms have popped up over its response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit North Carolina and Florida last year.

It also earmarks money for people who need help in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. FEMA has been somewhat of a maligned agency. It famously bungled relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina. And recently, similar criticisms have popped up over its response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit North Carolina and Florida last year.

That prompted some residents in North Carolina to say they would be fine if President Trump did away with FEMA.

That prompted some residents in North Carolina to say they would be fine if President Trump did away with FEMA.

That prompted some residents in North Carolina to say they would be fine if President Trump did away with FEMA.

That's Emily Russell, whose home was badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, speaking to the Associated Press. She said she was quick to file for help from FEMA.

That's Emily Russell, whose home was badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, speaking to the Associated Press. She said she was quick to file for help from FEMA.

That's Emily Russell, whose home was badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, speaking to the Associated Press. She said she was quick to file for help from FEMA.

But, she said, the process stalled, leaving parts of her claim pending or outright rejected.

But, she said, the process stalled, leaving parts of her claim pending or outright rejected.

But, she said, the process stalled, leaving parts of her claim pending or outright rejected.

One expert told the AP it's important not to mistake the function of FEMA, which is intended to meet immediate needs, with insurance companies, which cover longer-term rebuilding costs. Politico reports it's a tumultuous time for FEMA as it struggles with an increasing amount of major disasters and as climate change makes floods, storms and fires worse.

One expert told the AP it's important not to mistake the function of FEMA, which is intended to meet immediate needs, with insurance companies, which cover longer-term rebuilding costs. Politico reports it's a tumultuous time for FEMA as it struggles with an increasing amount of major disasters and as climate change makes floods, storms and fires worse.

One expert told the AP it's important not to mistake the function of FEMA, which is intended to meet immediate needs, with insurance companies, which cover longer-term rebuilding costs. Politico reports it's a tumultuous time for FEMA as it struggles with an increasing amount of major disasters and as climate change makes floods, storms and fires worse.

And a politically complicated time for leaders in red states, which are experiencing some of the costliest disasters. According to Politico, while some Republican lawmakers have expressed they're open to overhauling FEMA, many are against the idea of eliminating it entirely, saying states alone will struggle to shoulder all of the logistical and financial burdens for disaster recovery.

And a politically complicated time for leaders in red states, which are experiencing some of the costliest disasters. According to Politico, while some Republican lawmakers have expressed they're open to overhauling FEMA, many are against the idea of eliminating it entirely, saying states alone will struggle to shoulder all of the logistical and financial burdens for disaster recovery.