This order is part of a vision to eliminate FEMA and move responsibility of disaster response to the States with limited federal support. If the council recommends eliminating FEMA or any number of its functions, it could significantly delay or disrupt emergency responses across the United States. States request federal assistance from FEMA when they are unable to respond to disasters on their own. Loss of this assistance could significantly delay emergency responses, limit the number of staff who can help people impacted by disasters, and increase risk to public health and safety. This is particularly concerning as extreme weather events increase in intensity and frequency. Additionally, marginalized and already underserved communities will be disproportionately harmed by reduced federal assistance.
A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.
Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.
Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.
Summary
Executive Order 14180 established a review council to evaluate the efficacy, priorities, and competence of FEMA and provide recommendations to the President on drastic changes. The findings will include insights into 1) the adequacy and impartiality of FEMA’s responses to national disasters, 2) FEMA staffing and overall ability to function, 3) how FEMA’s responses compare to State, local, and private responses, and 4) the State’s overall role in disaster response.
Impact Analysis
Legal Challenges
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Take Institutional Action
In anticipation of decreased federal support:
State and local governments should assess and strengthen emergency preparation and response programs by December 31st, 2025. Areas of focus may include (but not limited to):
- Understanding how much federal funding support would not be received, and identifying other sources of getting this funding.
- Understanding how much staff is needed for certain disasters and planning how to recruit additional staff or volunteers for emergency responses.
- Identifying and mapping areas of States, counties, and cities that are at higher risk of impacts from disasters, and understanding the communities living in these areas.
- Developing tailored relief plans for each area of risk.
- Assessing State-wide communication and notification systems and making updates to reach all cities and communities.
Health systems should establish relationships with other sectors and establish plans for community care during natural disasters and other public emergencies. This may include (but not limited to):
- State, county, and city departments of public health, emergency management, health and mental services, and different social services should review their collaboration pathways and ensure they can smoothly coordinate efforts in disaster and emergency responses. These same departments should also proactively create these collaborations with community-based organizations and neighborhood associations.
- Health systems should work with community-based organizations and neighborhood associations to establish collaboration pathways and ensure smooth coordination. They may also want to conduct community needs assessments together to understand what different people living in their communities would need in an emergency.
- Identify templates for community-based disaster relief plans and work through all
Associated or Derivative Policies
The National Advisory Council (NAC), formed after Hurricane Katrina and previously advising FEMA on emergency management, and FEMA’s National Dam Safety Review Board were disbanded in January 2025 as per a DHS memo.
EO 14239: Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness calls for states to invest in infrastructure/national security, shifting responsibility for disaster preparation to state and local governments.
FEMA Independence Act (H.R. 2308 and S.1246) proposes moving FEMA out from the DHS and restoring status as a cabinet-level agency.
Policy Prior to 2025
Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (6 USC 701) (2006): increased FEMA’s authority, established regional FEMA offices, and created a Disability Coordinator within FEMA
Robert T. Stafford Act (1998): authorizes federal disaster declaration and assistance when requested by governors or tribal chief executives
Additional Resources
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