Federal Disaster Policy

FEMA under the Trump administration denied Colorado’s requests for major disaster declarations covering August wildfires and mudslides — including the Elk and Lee fires — and October’s historic flooding, prompting Gov. Jared Polis to accuse President Trump of “playing political games” and vow to appeal, with Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper also criticizing the decision and pledging to seek relief. The White House, via spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, said there was “no politicization,” framed the denials as careful stewardship since FEMA aid must supplement state obligations, and has in broader remarks suggested possibly phasing out FEMA and shifting more disaster responsibility to states.