President Donald Trump has approved major disaster declarations for seven states, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The states authorized to receive federal assistance are Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Washington. These declarations allow FEMA to provide resources and support to aid recovery efforts following recent emergencies.

Approximately 15 additional states and tribal entities have submitted disaster requests that remain under review. The timing of the approvals comes shortly after Markwayne Mullin assumed the role of Homeland Security Secretary, with one of his stated goals being to accelerate disaster response ahead of the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season.

Despite the approvals, FEMA faces significant challenges as it operates amidst an ongoing shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security. The agency’s Disaster Relief Fund, which finances much of the recovery support, is reported to be running low. Additionally, there has been no recent approval of hazard mitigation funding by the Trump administration for over a year, raising concerns about preparedness for future incidents.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the need for swift disaster response and broader budgetary and political constraints affecting federal emergency management operations. FEMA officials have yet to provide a timeline for when the pending requests might be decided. Meanwhile, states receiving approval are beginning to mobilize with federal aid to address damages and expedite recovery processes.