Mullin shifts fema role: let local governments lead disaster response

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin called for a fundamental shift in the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) during a visit to Asheville, North Carolina, arguing that states and local governments, not the federal agency, should lead disaster response.

Fema should support, not lead, first responders, mullin says

Mullin's remarks came as he toured western North Carolina to highlight federal recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, which devastated the region in September 2024. This marked Mullin's first major public visit since being confirmed by the Senate last month and as the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees Fema, enters its eighth week.

Mullin's record on the climate crisis and disaster preparedness has sparked criticism from recovery experts. Critics also note that Mullin does not appear to have a background in disaster management, having never served on either the House homeland security committee or the Senate homeland security committee.

However, earlier this week, Mullin moved to clear a backlog of home buyout requests that Fema acknowledged had been