Democrats Challenge FEMA Nominee Over $34 Million Aid Denial as Trump Faces Politicization Claims
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 17
Democrats Challenge FEMA Nominee Over $34 Million Aid Denial as Trump Faces Politicization Claims
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 17
Summary
Senate Democrats used Cameron Hamilton’s confirmation hearing to accuse Trump of steering disaster aid away from Democratic-led states, and the committee did not vote on his nomination Wednesday.
A central example was Washington state, where Trump denied a request despite FEMA finding storms and flooding caused $34 million in damage—more than double the agency’s threshold for federal aid.
Hamilton, who led FEMA for 15 weeks in 2025, said that if confirmed he would ensure the agency is objective and lawful, but he sidestepped senators’ questions about past discrepancies and rejected the premise that Trump would punish Democrats.
The clash followed a letter from 16 Democratic senators and Bernie Sanders seeking records on every Trump disaster decision, while the White House said there was “no politicization” in the president’s relief approvals.
The scrutiny adds to broader concerns around FEMA under Trump: Hamilton was previously fired after defending the agency, and he acknowledged earlier Wednesday that staff cuts have strained disaster readiness.