FEMA Faces Leadership Crisis as Trump Pushes for State-Led Disaster Response
A major shift in America’s emergency management structure is underway as President Trump announces a plan to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by the end of 2025. This policy shift coincides with the resignation of Jeremy Greenberg, head of FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), amid a broader leadership exodus from the federal disaster response agency.
A Vision for Decentralized Disaster Recovery
At a White House briefing on June 10, President Trump—joined by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—outlined a plan to transfer disaster recovery responsibilities from the federal government to individual states. He described FEMA as a “bloated” agency and emphasized the need to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies by shifting power and resources to local governments.
“We want to wean off of FEMA and bring it down to the state level,” Trump stated.
“Disasters don’t need red tape—they need action.”
The administration’s plan aims to replace FEMA’s current role with state-led initiatives, supported by block grants and minimal federal oversight. Secretary Noem emphasized restoring state-level autonomy and streamlining emergency responses through local control.
Greenberg’s Resignation Amid Agency Turmoil
Jeremy Greenberg, who oversees FEMA’s NRCC—the agency’s 24/7 operational hub during disasters—confirmed his resignation to CBS News, effective two weeks from the announcement. While Greenberg did not provide a public explanation, his departure marks a significant loss of institutional leadership at the outset of the 2025 hurricane season.
The NRCC plays a critical role in national crisis coordination, mobilizing personnel and resources from across federal agencies, the military, and private nonprofits. It handles logistics for Urban Search and Rescue deployments, emergency medical support, and supply distribution during large-scale disasters. Greenberg’s leadership was instrumental in coordinating mission assignments and ensuring FEMA’s operational readiness during national emergencies.
Broader Leadership Exodus
Greenberg’s resignation follows the May ouster of Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, who was reportedly removed for resisting efforts to dismantle the agency. Since then, at least 16 senior FEMA officials have resigned or transferred, citing growing friction with the administration’s agenda.
The wave of departures has raised concern among emergency management experts, particularly as the agency enters its busiest season. While the administration insists that states are equipped to take on greater responsibility, internal FEMA sources point to a loss of continuity and expertise that could impact national preparedness.
Strategic Shift in Federal Disaster Response
The Trump administration’s FEMA overhaul includes:
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Transferring primary disaster-response authority to state governments
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Replacing FEMA’s operational functions with block grant funding
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Establishing a new Office of State Disaster Support (OSDS) within DHS to assist only during catastrophic, multi-state emergencies
The proposed structure would significantly reduce the federal role in emergency response, relying instead on state and regional infrastructure to lead recovery efforts. Proponents argue that decentralization will eliminate inefficiencies and empower local leadership. Critics, however, warn that such a move could result in inconsistent disaster preparedness across states and leave vulnerable populations exposed.
Operational Uncertainty Ahead
With the NRCC now facing a leadership vacuum and FEMA’s future unclear, the agency’s ability to effectively manage emergencies in the months ahead is under scrutiny. The remaining staff, many of whom are career civil servants, are tasked with maintaining continuity while navigating an uncertain future.
As FEMA’s traditional role is reevaluated, states may be called upon to quickly adapt to new responsibilities. Whether this shift will strengthen or weaken America’s disaster resilience remains to be seen as the nation approaches the peak of its 2025 hurricane and wildfire seasons.
