DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: Trump Advocates for FEMA ‘Remake,’ Not Its Dismantlement
On Sunday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that President Donald Trump intends to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rather than abolish it completely. In an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Noem expressed that the president believes FEMA should be restructured to operate in a new and more effective manner. Noem emphasized that FEMA is not the only agency capable of disaster response. She highlighted the vital roles of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection in addressing emergencies, noting that the federal government has a variety of resources available for these situations.
This comes amidst Trump’s earlier criticisms of FEMA and discussions about potentially eliminating the entity, which has widely been responsible for administering emergency relief. When asked to clarify whether the president has changed his stance on FEMA, Noem reiterated that Trump desires the agency to be transformed, detailing a vision where it better supports state needs. This refocus comes in the wake of devastating floods in Texas, which claimed at least 129 lives. The administration has moderated its previous harsh rhetoric towards FEMA and is now highlighting the importance of a responsive and modernized emergency management agency.
Furthermore, Noem acknowledged media reports detailing a requirement for her personal approval on all FEMA contracts exceeding $100,000. According to Noem, this is to ensure accountability in contract management during responses to emergencies. Despite criticism from some Democrats regarding the federal response to the floods, including calls for her resignation from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Noem dismissed such comments, affirming her commitment to her role. In a separate issue, Noem responded to critiques surrounding the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigrant detention center in Florida, defending its conditions.
She described the facility as secure rather than a jail, while emphasizing that standards meet federal requirements. Additionally, she indicated ongoing efforts to explore the establishment of more detention centers while urging individuals to “self-deport.” Noem’s remarks follow a recent judicial ruling that restricted immigration officials from detaining individuals based solely on race or language, which she stated would be appealed. She clarified that enforcement actions are based on thorough investigations rather than superficial criteria.