Trump's approach to disaster relief exhibits significant disparity based on political affiliation of states. Approval of aid to California was conditional upon perceived liberal policies, whereas similar conditions were not placed on Texas. Despite receiving some federal assistance, California's Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump's stance on aid. Additionally, Trump has initiated cuts to agencies dealing with weather forecasting and disaster relief, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and proposed a 28% budget cut to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Trump has tied the approval of relief to pullbacks in policies he perceives to be liberal, while making no such threats to Texas after the flood.
The diverging rhetoric around disaster relief for red states compared to blue states highlights other moves Trump has made.
Trump has lashed out at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and openly stated his wish to dissolve it.
The administration has also targeted the National Weather Service (NWS), having cut about 600 employees as part of the U.S DOGE Services assault on the federal government.
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