Noem supports getting rid of FEMA ‘the way it exists today’ amid Musk DOGE audit
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has voiced her support for the elimination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its current form. During an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Noem expressed her agreement with President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who have both suggested that shutting down FEMA could be a viable option. This discussion comes as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gains access to FEMA’s sensitive disaster relief data for review.
When asked by CNN’s Dana Bash if Trump should shut down FEMA, Noem responded by stating that he has the ability to do so and that an evaluation will be conducted with his team. She emphasized the need to work with Congress to ensure a proper process is followed and that assistance is still available to those facing disasters or crises. Noem highlighted the presence of fraud, waste, and abuse within FEMA and commended the changes that have been implemented since Trump’s return to office.
As someone who has overseen multiple natural disasters during her tenure as governor of South Dakota, Noem emphasized the importance of local officials in decision-making processes. She believes that local authorities are better equipped to respond to disasters efficiently and effectively than federal agencies like FEMA. Noem advocated for a system where resources are allocated to local officials for quicker deployment, rather than relying on a bureaucratic structure.
Noem also referenced Trump’s efforts to close open FEMA cases in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, praising his swift response to the disaster. She defended Elon Musk’s involvement in auditing federal agencies, stating that he is helping to identify areas for improvement and efficiency within the government. Noem assured that Musk’s access to data is focused on programs rather than personal information.
Following the interview, Musk took to social media to criticize FEMA’s allocation of funds to luxury hotels in New York City for housing illegal migrants. He deemed this allocation as a violation of the law and a misuse of funds intended for American disaster relief. Musk announced plans to demand a clawback of these funds to redirect them towards their intended purpose.
In conclusion, Noem’s stance on reforming FEMA reflects a broader conversation around the efficiency and effectiveness of federal disaster response agencies. By advocating for a more localized and streamlined approach to disaster relief, she hopes to improve the overall response to crises while eliminating waste and inefficiency.
