By Charles Switzer
12:13pm PDT, Apr 12, 2025
FEMA Denies North Carolina’s Request for Extended Recovery Funds
On Friday, April 11, Democratic Governor Josh Stein revealed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had denied North Carolina’s request for an extension of the full reimbursement period for recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
The decision has left state officials and local communities grappling with the aftermath of the devastating storm.
But perhaps as equally surprising to many in the region is President Donald Trump’s willingness to allow the denial despite winning the state in the last three presidential elections.
Here’s what’s happening.
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Trump Criticizes FEMA’s Response During Campaign
Following Hurricane Helene’s landfall in September 2024, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump sharply criticized FEMA’s response in North Carolina.
He accused the agency of being too slow in releasing recovery funds and of poor coordination with state officials. “The people of North Carolina deserve faster, better action. FEMA needs to cut the red tape and get the job done,” Trump said during a press briefing.
The then-former president also insinuated that political bias was influencing FEMA’s pace, especially considering his strong support in the western part of the state, which was heavily impacted by the hurricane.
However, FEMA denied the claims of political influence.
The Impact of Hurricane Helene on the Southeast
Hurricane Helene struck in late September, leaving widespread destruction across the Southeast, particularly in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
The storm caused 219 fatalities and billions of dollars in damages. In North Carolina alone, the storm left an estimated $8.4 billion in destruction, bringing historic flooding, strong winds and power outages that lasted for days.
Agriculture and manufacturing industries in the state were heavily affected, and many counties were designated as federal disaster areas. Recovery efforts have continued for months, but delays in FEMA reimbursements have slowed progress.
State and Local Efforts Amid Slow Federal Response
North Carolina officials, especially those from rural areas, continue to call for extended financial support to aid in the recovery process.
Local leaders stress the importance of long-term investments in infrastructure that can better withstand future storms. While nonprofit groups and volunteer organizations have stepped in to fill some gaps left by the government, state officials remain frustrated by the slow pace of FEMA’s reimbursements.
Governor Josh Stein voiced his disappointment on X, stating, “Today, I learned that FEMA refused our request to extend its 100% reimbursement period for another 180 days. I got this news while I was in Newland with families who lost their homes in the storm.”
Trump’s Criticism and Calls for FEMA Overhaul
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Donald Trump continued to criticize both FEMA and the state government, alleging that federal resources were being withheld from Republican areas.
He accused then North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and the federal government of neglecting those in need in politically conservative areas. “Going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas,” Trump remarked. Furthermore, President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have suggested plans to eliminate FEMA entirely. Noem stated during a March 2025 Cabinet meeting, “We’re going to eliminate FEMA,” citing inefficiency and bureaucratic obstacles.
Trump, echoing these sentiments, declared that disaster response should be handled primarily at the state level, criticizing FEMA’s performance as slow and costly: “FEMA has been a very big disappointment. They cost a tremendous amount of money. It’s very bureaucratic, and it’s very slow.”
