Since assuming office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has exhibited a pattern of delay and disparity in approving major disaster declarations, according to an analysis of federal data dating back to 1989. The president’s administration has approved about 65 requests for disaster aid while denying more than two dozen others from states, tribes, or territories facing major natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires.

The data indicate that Trump takes longer on average to authorize disaster assistance than any president since the 1988 Stafford Act established new protocols for disaster declarations. Whereas previous presidents typically approved major disaster requests within two weeks, Trump’s average approval time during his second term is approximately six weeks. This delay extends the period during which affected individuals and local governments must assume the financial burden of recovery without federal support.

Moreover, Trump’s administration has shown a significant partisan divide in approving disaster aid. The president has authorized roughly 80% of requests submitted by Republican governors but only about 60% of those from Democratic governors. When broken down by states’ presidential election outcomes, he has approved more than 75% of requests from states that supported him in 2024, compared to fewer than 50% from states that did not. Four Democratic-led states—Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island—had major disaster requests denied following a February snowstorm.

Democratic lawmakers from Rhode Island criticized these denials, asserting the president’s actions reflect “extreme partisanship” that shifts greater economic responsibility onto Democratic-leaning states. In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson denied any politicization, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to scrutinizing disaster aid to ensure federal funds supplement, rather than replace, state and local efforts.

This pattern contrasts with previous administrations. Former President Barack Obama approved a higher share of disaster requests across party lines and showed little disparity between states that supported or opposed him. During Trump’s first term, approvals were more balanced, with a higher overall approval rate for requests from states he did not carry. However, the current administration has taken a more politicized approach, marked by slower decisions and a higher overall rate of rejections.

The extended delays have practical consequences. Without timely major disaster declarations, residents face prolonged waits for federal assistance covering housing, essential living costs, and home repairs. Local officials also experience uncertainties in recovering costs for debris removal and infrastructure rebuilding, potentially hindering broader recovery efforts.

FEMA, the agency responsible for administering disaster relief, has experienced leadership instability under Trump, with four acting directors since January 2025. Cameron Hamilton, the agency’s current acting director awaiting Senate confirmation, has pledged to expedite disaster aid decisions and ensure a fair and objective review process. Hamilton previously lost his position after publicly opposing Trump’s proposal to dismantle FEMA but has since reemerged in a senior role as the administration considers reforms rather than eliminating the agency outright.