In an October 15, 2026 internal memo, FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton set objectives to “strengthen state and local emergency management capacity,” echoing a Trump-appointed review panel's recommendations to build state capacity and make federal disaster aid harder to qualify for, Politico reported. Speaking to state emergency managers on October 20, Hamilton said, “Every state must have the appropriate financial reserves,” and that changes could begin “in the next six months,” according to a recording Politico obtained. The National News Desk also reported the plan.
The administration “has not publicly announced any changes and has continued to approve disaster aid,” Politico noted, so this is a plan rather than a policy. It follows earlier moves to reduce FEMA's role.