Washington, D.C., May 24, 2025 — Former President Donald Trump on Friday approved major disaster declarations for eight states, unlocking long-awaited federal assistance for communities devastated by severe storms earlier this year.
The declarations provide access to financial aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Several of these states have been awaiting federal support since a powerful storm system swept through the region in mid-March.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves welcomed the announcement, noting that his state was hit by 18 tornadoes between March 14 and 15.
“This support will go a long way in helping Mississippi to rebuild and recover. Our entire state is grateful for his approval,” Reeves said.
Residents of Walthall County, Mississippi—one of the hardest-hit areas—had voiced frustration over delays in federal assistance. The county’s emergency manager reported that debris removal efforts stalled in early May after local funds were depleted.
Earlier this week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged to accelerate Missouri’s aid request, following pressure from U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).
“One of FEMA’s failures in the past has been that people who suffer devastating losses wait months or even years for the critical help they were promised,” Noem said.
Trump cited such delays as a key reason for his push to reform FEMA, including efforts to shift more disaster response responsibilities to individual states. FEMA’s newly appointed acting administrator has echoed this approach, emphasizing a greater state role in recovery operations.
FEMA has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the timing of the sudden wave of approvals.
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