Noem: ‘Get rid of FEMA the way it exists today’

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Advocates for Eliminating FEMA as It Currently Stands

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made headlines on Sunday by expressing her support for dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its current form. During her appearance on CNN’s "State of the Union," Noem aligned herself with President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who have both suggested that shutting down FEMA could be a viable option. This stance comes amid reports that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk, has gained access to FEMA’s sensitive disaster relief data to review its programs and operations. When asked by CNN’s Dana Bash whether President Trump could and should shut down FEMA, Noem replied, "He can. And I believe that he will do that evaluation with his team." She emphasized that Trump would work with Congress to ensure the process is handled correctly and that federal support remains available for individuals affected by disasters or crises.

Noem, who recently visited Asheville, North Carolina, to meet with victims of Hurricane Helene and assess the damage, highlighted her experience overseeing 12 natural disasters that required FEMA responses during her tenure as governor of South Dakota. She argued that local officials, such as county emergency management directors, mayors, and city council members, are better equipped to make decisions about disaster response than federal bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. When Bash asked what she would tell Trump if he asked her to eliminate FEMA, Noem responded unequivocally, "I would say yes, get rid of FEMA the way it exists today."

Inefficient Federal Bureaucracy and the Need for Local Control

At the heart of Noem’s argument is the inefficiency of FEMA’s current structure. She acknowledged that federal resources and funding are still necessary to support disaster relief efforts, such as those following Hurricane Helene and the wildfires in California. However, she believes that decision-making authority should be delegated to local officials, who can respond more quickly and effectively to the unique needs of their communities. "We don’t need this bureaucracy that’s picking and choosing winners," Noem said, criticizing FEMA for what she perceives as an unfair and selective approach to aid distribution.

Noem also pointed to President Trump’s track record in managing disaster responses, noting that he had successfully closed 80% of the open FEMA cases in North Carolina related to Hurricane Helene. "It’s amazing when you have somebody who cares … how quickly the response can be," she remarked. This sentiment reflects a broader belief among critics of FEMA that the agency’s centralized approach often hinders the speed and effectiveness of disaster relief.

Criticism of FEMA Under Previous Administrations

Noem’s comments also touched on what she described as systemic issues within FEMA, including fraud, waste, and abuse. She recounted how, under former President Joe Biden, FEMA employees allegedly skipped homes in hurricane-ravaged areas that displayed pro-Trump signs. This accusation suggests that political bias may have influenced FEMA’s decision-making processes in the past, further eroding public trust in the agency.

While Noem emphasized that the federal government still has a critical role to play in disaster relief, she argued that this role should be redefined to focus on providing resources directly to local officials rather than maintaining a top-down bureaucracy. By streamlining the process and eliminating layers of federal oversight, Noem believes that disaster relief efforts can become more efficient, equitable, and responsive to the needs of affected communities.

The Role of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

In addition to her criticism of FEMA, Noem defended Elon Musk’s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is currently conducting an audit of federal agencies, including FEMA. She explained that Musk’s team is working under the president’s direction to identify areas of inefficiency and recommend cost-saving measures. "Elon Musk is part of the administration that is helping us identify where we can find savings and what we can do," Noem said. "The president has appointed him, and I am today by the work that he is doing, by identifying waste, fraud, and abuse."

Noem also addressed concerns about Musk’s access to sensitive FEMA data, assuring viewers that the information being reviewed is focused on programs rather than personal data. She expressed confidence in Musk’s ability to help the administration achieve its goals of greater efficiency and accountability in government spending.

Allegations of Misuse of Funds by FEMA

Following Noem’s interview, Elon Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to share startling allegations about FEMA’s handling of federal funds. On Monday morning, Musk claimed that his DOGE team had discovered that FEMA recently sent $59 million to "luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants." Musk asserted that this expenditure violated the law and directly contradicted President Trump’s executive order on the use of disaster relief funds. "That money is meant for American disaster relief and instead is being spent on high-end hotels for illegals!" Musk wrote. He added that a "clawback demand" would be made to recover the misused funds.

This revelation has further fueled calls for greater transparency and accountability within FEMA, as well as stronger oversight of federal spending. While the accuracy of Musk’s claims has not yet been independently verified, they have added momentum to the debate over the future of FEMA and the need for structural reforms within the agency.

The Future of Disaster Relief and the Role of the Federal Government

As the debate over FEMA’s future continues, one thing is clear: there is a growing consensus that the agency’s current model is in need of significant reform. Kristi Noem’s advocacy for eliminating FEMA as it exists today reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the inefficiencies and perceived biases of the federal bureaucracy. By advocating for a more localized approach to disaster relief and supporting efforts to root out waste and abuse, Noem and others hope to create a system that is more responsive, equitable, and effective in serving the needs of affected communities.

At the same time, the involvement of figures like Elon Musk in auditing federal agencies raises important questions about the role of private-sector leadership in government oversight. While some applaud Musk’s ability to identify inefficiencies and drive innovation, others express concerns about the potential for political influence or misuse of sensitive data. As the administration moves forward with its plans to reform FEMA and other federal agencies, these tensions will likely continue to shape the conversation about the future of disaster relief and government accountability.

In conclusion, the debate over FEMA’s future is far from over. Whether the agency is ultimately reformed, replaced, or eliminated remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the push for greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in disaster relief efforts is here to stay. As policymakers, experts, and advocates weigh in on the issue, the American public will be watching closely to see how these changes impact their ability to receive the support they need in times of crisis.