Entrepreneur and TV personality Kevin O'Leary has thrown his support behind President Donald Trump's plan to overhaul or even scrap the Federal Emergency Management Agency. O'Leary's endorsement comes amidst growing debate over the effectiveness of FEMA and Trump's proposal to shift disaster relief funding directly to state governments.
On social media and in a Fox News interview, O'Leary said Trump's plan is "smart" and "efficient." He explained that giving state governors control of disaster money, along with clear rules to track spending, would make things more transparent. "Every taxpayer wants accountability, and this plan delivers," he wrote.
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Trump's FEMA Criticism and Vision for Reform
Trump has been very critical of FEMA, saying it's not doing a good job and has too much red tape. During a visit to hurricane-hit North Carolina last week, Trump stated bluntly, "FEMA has turned out to be a disaster. I think we recommend that FEMA go away. I think, frankly, that FEMA is not good." He suggested redirecting disaster relief funds straight to state governors, whom he views as the CEOs of their states, capable of managing resources more effectively.
An executive order issued by Trump lays out a plan for a 20-member council that will be led by the secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to evaluate FEMA and propose reforms within 180 days. While the White House clarified the review is aimed at reform rather than immediate elimination, Trump's sharp criticism has sparked intense discussion about FEMA's future.
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A Legacy of Challenges for FEMA
FEMA, established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, was created to centralize disaster management after decades of inefficiency. More than 100 federal agencies were involved in disaster relief, creating a chaotic and uncoordinated system prior to FEMA. The agency's role has since been enshrined in federal law, making it impossible for a president to unilaterally abolish it without congressional approval.
Despite its vital role, FEMA has faced challenges over the years. Under President Ronald Reagan, conservative appointees prioritized downsizing, and during President George W. Bush's tenure, FEMA's status was reduced within the Department of Homeland Security, which many critics say undermined its effectiveness. Trump's proposal to overhaul FEMA is seen by some as part of a broader strategy to disrupt government agencies.
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Mixed Reactions to Trump's Proposal
Critics argue that dismantling FEMA would set disaster management back decades, returning to a fragmented system where states struggled to manage large-scale emergencies. During his visit to disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina and Southern California last week, Trump's remarks about FEMA drew fire for undermining emergency workers and ignoring the agency's critical role.
However, O'Leary and others see merit in Trump's plan. O'Leary highlighted the inefficiencies of FEMA's bureaucracy, pointing out that disaster funds often fail to promptly reach those in need. He praised Trump's vision of milestone-based funding, saying it ensures transparency and effective use of taxpayer money.
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If governors are given the responsibility and accountability, taxpayers will know exactly how their money is being used, he said. “Let’s check in every month or every quarter or every year and see exactly how that Capital was used, and I think every taxpayer, including me, listening to that, says, ‘I like that idea. I want some accountability, and I want to see executional skills in action.'”
A Turning Point for Disaster Management?
The debate over FEMA's future comes at a critical time. Natural disasters, from hurricanes to wildfires, have been increasing in frequency and intensity. Critics of Trump's approach warn that eliminating FEMA could leave states overwhelmed during large-scale crises. Supporters, however, see it as a chance to streamline disaster relief and reduce federal inefficiency.
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