- Americans affected by hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are experiencing longer waits for federal disaster aid approvals under Donald Trump, with many requests being rejected.
- An Associated Press analysis found that Trump has taken longer, on average, to approve disaster requests than any president since 1989, averaging about six weeks compared to less than two weeks for most previous administrations.
- The review also revealed a wider disparity in approval rates, with states that supported Trump and those with Republican governors receiving aid more frequently than states that did not.
- The White House denies political influence, stating decisions are based on thorough reviews, but these delays leave families waiting months for housing and repair assistance, and local governments facing uncertainty.
- These findings come as the Trump administration is considering significant changes to FEMA, which could shift more disaster response costs and responsibilities to states.
IN FULL
