Trump to Sign Order Prioritizing Local Leadership for Disaster Preparedness, Response

According to the White House, new rules streamline the federal government will support state and local communities in the event of an emergency.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign an executive order on March 10th, ensuring state and local leaders are ready for natural disasters and other emergencies.

A new law comes days after North Carolina’s wildfires burned a charred piece, establishing a national resilience strategy to bolster preparation efforts and strengthen federal responses.

A review of all infrastructure, continuity plans, and preparation and response policies is required to achieve the goals listed in the order.

The White House provided the Epoch Times, so guidelines relating to the country’s critical infrastructure (such as water, energy, transportation) will change to fit current risk assessments.

Instead of using the so-called “all-out” perspective previously set by the US National Infrastructure Protection Plan, If potential threats are considered without prioritizing each other, the new policy directs a “risk-based” approach.

The order, according to the fact sheet, prioritizes “resilience and actions to mere information sharing.”

Rather than relying on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to oversee disaster response, local governments have the authority to promote preparation and response with the support of the federal government.

Other changes include a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s continuity policy, aimed at protecting the government in the event of catastrophic events such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or other unexpected events.

New policies following the establishment of the Government Efficiency President, an advisory body aimed at reducing federal costs and increasing efficiency, will scale back operations to improve “sustainable preparation.”

National risk registrations have also been established to identify risks and opportunities for strengthening operations and reducing waste.

The order says it is suitable for state and local governments by enhancing federal functions.

“President Trump knows that Americans need quick and effective help when a crisis strikes. “Local leaders and citizens know their needs best. They’re not bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.

According to the White House, the move reflects the president’s belief that disaster preparedness and policy are essential to his “America First” strategy, achieving his long-standing goal of restoring the balance of power among people.

In early February, Trump said in a social media post that FEMA should be removed, and states should independently manage disaster responses to save efficiency and cost. He accused the agency of mismanagement of disaster relief funds, failing to obey orders, and supporting democratically-led regions.

The agency faces surveillance from Republicans over its handling of recent disasters, including Hurricane Helen and Milton, which struck the southeastern United States in 2024.

The president signed the January 24th executive order and established a council to carry out a “full review” of FEMA.

Cameron Hamilton, current acting FEMA administrator, wrote on social media platform X that the changes are coming to the agency.

“We have the work to do at FEMA, we are ready to implement the presidential agenda and provide better service to the American people,” he wrote on January 26th.

Tom Ozimek and Jack Phillips contributed to this report.