The White House is approving disaster relief funds without notifying FEMA, leading to delays and confusion

In early April, President Donald Trump approved millions of dollars in assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Virginia, which was reeling from devastating winter storms and flooding. Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, issued a press release touting the president’s decision to sign his disaster declaration request, and local news outlets began reporting that funding would soon be flowing to the state.

In early April, President Donald Trump approved millions of dollars in assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Virginia, which was reeling from devastating winter storms and flooding. Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, issued a news release touting the president’s decision to sign his disaster declaration request, and local news outlets began reporting that funding would soon be flowing to the state. But a key partner hadn’t been notified: FEMA. Leaders at the disaster relief agency, which is tasked with delivering that aid, were caught off guard when they eventually saw the smattering of headlines, FEMA officials told CNN, given such news would almost always come directly from the White House. It wasn’t until at least four days later that official word reached FEMA – an alarming delay in an otherwise urgent process. The breakdown in communication forced hard-hit Virginia communities to wait an extra week or so for critical assistance, agency officials said. The sources said this reflects a troubling pattern in Trump’s second term. It’s among several concerns raised by current and former FEMA officials about the White House’s approach to disaster relief as forecasters are already keeping a close eye on potential storms at the start of hurricane season. Typically in presidential administrations, including Trump’s first, FEMA advises the White House on which disasters warrant federal assistance. The president then either approves or denies the aid, and once he signs a state’s disaster declaration FEMA is quickly notified so relief efforts can promptly begin. FEMA officials are usually responsible for notifying state leaders that help is on the way.