Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton amplified false charges that FEMA spent disaster aid on migrants and blocked help to North Carolina.

The president's comments brought immediate pushback. Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear called the elimination of FEMA a "very bad idea." Sen. Bill Cassidy (R–La.) stopped short of condemning Trump's comments, saying some federal disaster agency is needed, even if that agency isn't FEMA.

Republican lawmakers, including those from disaster-prone areas, are backing President Trump’s calls to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  “We need a FEMA that looks like

The president said he's considering letting Washington directly reimburse states for disaster-relief efforts, but states might not be equipped for rapid response.