Trump's FEMA Nominee Says Agency Must Balance Costs and Aid

Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency told a Senate committee that the agency must find ways to limit federal spending on disasters while still supporting states.

Hamilton appeared Wednesday before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He said the agency should encourage states to control costs during disasters. "I think many states and local officials have had incentives to drive up costs," Hamilton said.

" Hamilton also pledged to speed up the process of getting federal money to states after disasters occur.

Hamilton previously served as acting FEMA administrator last year. He was removed from that position in May 2025 after stating that FEMA should not be eliminated. The administration has shifted from earlier calls to eliminate FEMA entirely. Officials now focus on lowering the federal share of disaster costs.

Hamilton backed away from an earlier idea to raise the threshold for states to qualify for major disaster declarations. He described that proposal as part of internal discussions rather than a firm policy position. "That is not my position, and that is not a position that was ready for implementation or adoption," Hamilton said.