Source: YouTube

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says President Donald Trump wants to remake FEMA, not eliminate it, following sharp criticism of the federal response to catastrophic flooding in Texas. Noem dismissed reports that administrative changes slowed down aid delivery, insisting that FEMA performed better than in any recent disaster. She described claims of unanswered emergency calls as politically motivated attacks. At least 120 people died in the Texas floods, making it the deadliest natural disaster since Trump took office in January. Noem said the agency’s deployment during the storm reflected a new approach that the President wants to formalize. “FEMA should not exist the way that it always has been,” she told NBC. “It needs to be redeployed in a new way.”

Contract Delays and Public Confusion

The criticism stems from a New York Times report showing that FEMA answered fewer than 20% of emergency calls in the days after floodwaters hit the Hill Country region on July 4 and 5. The agency had allowed contracts for call center staff to expire on July 5. On July 6 and 7, tens of thousands of calls went unanswered. Noem acknowledged that she had enacted a policy requiring her personal approval on contracts worth more than $100,000. She did not renew several contracts until days after they expired but claimed this step improved accountability, not efficiency. “It’s not extra red tape,” she said. “It’s making sure decisions come directly to my desk and are handled fast.”

Noem also rejected claims that FEMA’s readiness had eroded under the Trump presidency. However, the agency has lost around 2,000 personnel since his return to office. Critics say the staffing shortage has weakened FEMA’s ability to coordinate disaster aid, especially when multiple emergencies occur at once.

A Shift in Tone After Elimination Talk

Trump himself previously threatened to phase out FEMA entirely, insisting that local disaster response should be handled by the states. In June, he said the agency would begin winding down after hurricane season. However, since the flood crisis, the White House has adopted a more cautious message. The President recently said FEMA’s future is a “discussion for later,” while Noem now describes the plan is to remake FEMA instead of a closure order.

Speaking on Sunday, Noem praised the disaster response agency performance and said the administration’s goal is to remake FEMA into a more streamlined agency that partners more directly with state governments. The change in tone follows rising pressure from Texas officials and survivors who said they struggled to get assistance. The FEMA call center backlog left many waiting for shelter aid and basic supplies.

What Does ‘Remake FEMA’ Mean?

Remaking FEMA could involve significant changes to how the federal government supports disaster response. Trump has long pushed for reduced spending and more state-level control. If Congress agrees, FEMA may shift from a direct service model to a grant-based system where states lead operations. Critics argue this would leave poorer states at a disadvantage when disasters strike.

While some Republican lawmakers support Trump’s plan, others have remained silent. During a recent visit to Texas, Trump dismissed questions about possible federal mistakes as “evil” and accused the media of using a tragedy for political gain. Governor Greg Abbott also refused to call for an investigation into the response, saying it was time to focus on recovery.

Supporters of FEMA’s current model say it provides essential coordination during complex disasters, especially when state systems are overwhelmed. Former FEMA chief of staff Michael Coen warned that capacity cuts have already weakened the agency’s ability to manage large-scale emergencies.

As climate-related disasters become more frequent, the future of FEMA remains uncertain. Whether Trump’s effort to remake FEMA will gain broader support may depend on how Americans judge the federal response to this flood and the next.

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