WASHINGTON – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s willingness to eliminate FEMA may be a backfire move for her.
South Dakota received at least $36 million in FEMA money for the historic flooding last June. Noem also applied for FEMA money five times in 2019.
Local emergency officials say they are watching closely, hoping whatever comes next at least addresses some key needs for state disaster funding.
FEMA is authorized through statute, so it’s unclear how much authority the Trump administration has to reform or cut the agency without congressional approval.
