FEMA Disaster-Aid Denials Draw Fire as Politics, Policy Intersect
Pictured Above: Wisconsin’s request for FEMA Public Assistance to repair infrastructure damage from this storm was denied.
Date Posted: October 28, 2025
Posted In: Discussion, Environment/Sustainability, What we are thinking about,
From ENR: President Donald Trump approved major disaster declarations for three states on Oct. 23, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied similar requests from Illinois and Wisconsin that same day and rejected Vermont, Maryland and Michigan on Oct. 24.
The recent spate of Federal Emergency Management Agency decisions appears to track along partisan lines, according to public records and the Associated Press.
FEMA approved major disaster declarations for Alaska, Nebraska and North Dakota in response to summer and fall storms that caused widespread coastal and inland damage, unlocking both individual and public assistance. But it denied similar requests elsewhere.
Michigan’s appeal for federal assistance following a March ice storm was denied, reaffirming FEMA’s earlier decision to reject the state’s initial request.
In Wisconsin, the agency declined a request for Public Assistance for six counties affected by August flooding, stating that “the program is not warranted.”
Similarly, Maryland’s request for aid following May floods and its appeal were both rejected. Vermont’s request for public infrastructure repairs due to July flooding was also denied, as was Illinois’ petition for disaster aid after storms in mid-August.
Trump did highlight the Alaska approval in a social-media post, writing that he was “approving $25 million dollars to help Alaska recover” and adding, “It is my honor to deliver for the Great State of Alaska, which I won BIG … I will never let you down.”
Blue States Get the Cold Shoulder
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) sought a federal disaster declaration for five counties—Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry and Will—after Aug. 16-19 storms and flash floods caused widespread damage. Sens. Dick Durbin (D) and Tammy Duckworth (D) urged the administration to approve the request, citing torrential rainfall and destructive winds.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) criticized FEMA’s decision to uphold its earlier denial of aid for the March storm, calling it “a blow to communities still recovering from one of the most destructive ice storms in recent memory.” The state estimated more than $70 million in infrastructure damage.
Maryland’s Gov. Wes Moore (D) denounced FEMA’s rejection following summer floods, saying, “This outcome is not just deeply frustrating—it ignores the devastation wrought by historic floods in Appalachia and leaves Marylanders on their own. President Trump and his administration have politicized disaster relief, and our communities are the ones who will pay the price.”
In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers (D) called the denial of aid for six counties “disappointing and short-sighted,” saying it “sends a message to our communities that they are on their own, and that the Trump administration doesn’t think over $26 million in damages to public infrastructure is worthy of their help.” The Wisconsin denial covered Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties.
“Assistance Not Warranted”
A brief FEMA letter to the state explained that, “After evaluation of damage assessments, the Public Assistance program is not warranted.”
Vermont officials also expressed frustration after weeks of delay despite widespread flooding that damaged roads, bridges and culverts statewide.