U.S. Rep. Grace Meng has accused the Trump Administration and FEMA of "betraying" the American people amid reported plans to increase state responsibility for disaster response so that states can respond to most emergencies on their own and without federal aid.

FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton detailed the move at a recent conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, with Politico reporting that he has informed states that they should have appropriate financial reserves so that recovery efforts can start immediately in the event of a disaster and not be held up by the federal disaster declaration process. Hamilton also reportedly told the conference that the changes could begin within six months.

Meng strongly criticized the move, stating that no state can absorb the devastation of an event like Superstorm Sandy on its own and adding that federal dollars have helped pull communities in Northeast Queens out of previous disasters.

She also noted that parts of Queens have been underwater several times this year, further noting that Hurricane Ida wreaked devastation on the borough just five years ago. "Major floods turned Flushing streets into rivers. Families in southeast Queens and the Rockaways were bailing out their homes. These are the same neighborhoods where Hurricane Ida’s flooding killed our neighbors only five years ago," Meng said in a statement condemning the move. "Now, the Trump administration’s FEMA Administrator is telling New Yorkers that next time disaster strikes, we’re on our own."

She said no city or state was "ever intended" to absorb a disaster by itself and asserted that Congress sets aside billions of dollars every year to help communities recover if a disaster occurs.

"That money belongs to the families it was appropriated to protect, not this administration. If FEMA intends to approve fewer disaster declarations, I demand to know exactly where that money is going," Meng added.

She said six months would be "nowhere near enough time" for states to prepare for the changes and build the financial resources necessary to respond to emergencies. "This plan is a betrayal of the American people," she concluded. A spokesperson for FEMA pushed back strongly, stating that the agency is aiming to supplement local efforts and allow local communities and emergency services to lead the response to disasters. "When disaster strikes, the first call will almost always be to local emergency services and first responders, not FEMA . Local and state officials, first responders and community leaders are on the front lines and know their communities best," a spokesperson for FEMA said. "FEMA is not the first responder but rather a force multiplier supporting states, tribes and local governments to ensure rapid and effective recovery when warranted and where needed.

"Federal assistance is meant to support state and local response, not to replace it, and cannot make individuals or communities whole after a disaster." The agency further claimed that it aims to supplement local efforts where needed but said its "primary focus" is on empowering communities to lead and execute disaster response and recovery.

A recent FEMA report noted a "lack of local capacity" to deal with emergencies, stating that many local agencies are "understaffed," with many local emergency managers wearing "numerous hats" and taking on additional duties.

According to Politico, Hamilton told the recent Little Rock conference that he was aiming for a future where the federal government did not have to authorize as much federal disaster aid because "the capabilities of states is so high and substantial."

Early in his current term, President Donald Trump signaled his intention to phase out or eliminate FEMA, stating last year that he intended to "wean off of FEMA and bring it back to state level." In June 2025, he forecasted that the agency could be eliminated by December.

Reach me at shane.obrien@queenspost.com

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