President Donald Trump plans to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to a recent report from Reuters.
Here’s what we know about FEMA and how the decision could affect Kentucky:
Is President Donald Trump ending FEMA at end of 2025 hurricane season?
President Donald Trump said he plans to start “phasing out” FEMA after the hurricane season on June 10, according to the Reuters report. Trump noted states would receive less federal aid to respond to natural disasters.
“We’re going to give out less money,” Trump said. “We’re going to give it out directly. It’ll be from thepresident’s office. We’ll have somebody here, could be Homeland Security.”
FEMA currently oversees the distribution of financial aid to states following a president’s declaration of a disaster.
State governors are being encouraged to work together in response to natural disasters, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She believes that FEMA “fundamentally needs to go away as itexists.”
“We’re building communication and mutual aid agreements among states … so that they can stand on their own two feet with the federal government coming in catastrophic circumstances with funding,” Noem said.
When is the 2025 hurricane season in the US?
The hurricane season officially started in the U.S. on June 1 and runs through November.
This season is expected to above normal with as many as 10 hurricanes, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast last month.
What is FEMA?
FEMA exists to help people “before, during and after disasters,” according to fema.gov.
The agency’s core values can be found at: “We Are FEMA” or Publication One (Pub 1).
How did FEMA start?
President Jimmy Carter officially created FEMA in 1979 through an executive order, according to fema.gov. FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003, and has roots dating back to 1803.
Does Trump phasing out FEMA impact Kentucky? FEMA assistance for Ky. residents
On June 3, 2025, FEMA designated multiple areas of Kentucky as natural disaster areas for the impact of severe weather on April 2, 2025 − including 24 primary counties and 45 contiguous counties − allowing for needed assistance.
Homeowners and renters in 11 Kentucky counties were approved for more than $2 million from FEMA to help with recovery from February floods in 2025.
A similar severe weather occurrence happened on April 2, 2024. Former President Joe Biden declared a major disaster declaration, and the state received $3,906,243.69 in FEMA assistance for residents, according to fema.gov.
Attempts to reach FEMA’s Kentucky office for more information have not yet been answered as of Wednesday morning, June 11.
What is the maximum FEMA payout in 2025?
FEMA may help pay for costs insurance doesn’t cover up to a maximum award amount. In 2025, the maximum amounts are $43,600 for “housing assistance” and $43,600 for “other needs,” according to FEMA.
FEMA flood maps: Do you live in a flood zone in the US?
Visit www.fema.gov for flood maps to find out if you’re in a flood zone and how often floods happen in your area. Use tools, maps and past claims data to understand your flood risk and make informed decisions to stay safe.
Trump is ending FEMA. Here’s how to find out if you live in a floodplain
You can find more information about floodplains online at fema.gov. To see if your home is situated on a floodplain, visit fema.gov/flood-maps and enter your address at: msc.fema.gov/portal/home.
Reuters reporter Nathan Layne contributed to this article. Chris Sims is a digital content producer for Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Trump and Fema 2025: Is US losing FEMA? How is Kentucky impacted? What we know