(DDM) – The administration of Donald Trump is preparing to release more than $5 billion in long-delayed disaster relief funds to states across the country, but several Democratic-led states will reportedly not receive any portion of the immediate disbursement.
Sources familiar with the plan told CNN that the funding decision excludes states where Trump has previously clashed with governors, including California, Illinois, Minnesota and Colorado.
The funds originate from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which operates under the oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. States depend on FEMA resources to support disaster recovery, infrastructure rebuilding, and mitigation projects following hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other emergencies.
More than $14 billion in disaster assistance has remained stalled in the pipeline in recent months, partly due to stricter spending rules imposed by Homeland Security, according to sources. Officials now plan to release over one-third of that backlog.
However, the reported exclusion of certain states has sparked accusations that politics may be influencing the allocation of critical emergency funding. Critics argue that disaster aid should follow objective damage assessments rather than political considerations.
California, which frequently battles catastrophic wildfires and severe storms, has historically relied heavily on FEMA assistance. Illinois and Minnesota also face recurring flood risks, while Colorado contends with both wildfire and winter storm damage.
Governors from Democratic-led states have not yet issued comprehensive public responses to the reported exclusion, but political analysts say the decision could intensify tensions between the White House and state executives.
The administration has not publicly detailed the criteria used to determine which states would receive immediate funding and which would not. Federal disaster aid typically follows formal emergency declarations and damage verification processes.
Observers note that disputes over disaster funding are not new in American politics. However, withholding assistance from states facing active recovery challenges could have significant humanitarian and economic consequences.
As the funds begin flowing to selected states, attention will focus on whether additional tranches will include those currently excluded and whether Congress or oversight bodies will intervene to ensure equitable distribution.
