FEMA Faces Major Overhaul as Trump Administration Targets Disaster Recovery Functions

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is at a critical juncture as the Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), pursues significant changes to its structure, funding, and operations. Major changes at FEMA could have far-reaching consequences for the U.S. Virgin Islands, a territory to which the agency has allocated $22.5 billion, according to Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Nearly all of the territory’s future progress is tied to disaster recovery projects that are already underway or scheduled to launch in the coming months and years. As of today, the agency is grappling with leadership proposals to reduce or eliminate its role, substantial funding freezes, workforce reductions, and operational setbacks, all while facing bipartisan efforts to preserve its mission.  On March 27 DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, alongside other Trump administration officials, voiced support for a dramatic reduction in FEMA’s resp...