President Donald Trump has made waves after suggesting he may sign an executive order to overhaul or even eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The announcement comes as Treasure Island, Florida, Mayor Tyler Payne criticizes FEMA for delaying the city’s recovery from back-to-back hurricanes that caused extensive damage to the area.
In a letter sent directly to President Trump, Mayor Payne expressed frustration with FEMA’s bureaucratic hurdles, which he claims are preventing residents from rebuilding their homes.
“The residents of Treasure Island, Florida, simply want to return to their homes after two back-to-back hurricanes and need building permits to do so,” Payne wrote. “FEMA’s federal regulations and bureaucracy stand in our residents’ way.”
READ: Trump Halts California Rep On FEMA Defense, Calls Out Insurance Companies Fleeing State
Payne is urging the president to waive fees and permitting regulations to expedite the recovery process. He joins a growing chorus of local leaders, including the mayor of St. Pete Beach, who have sent similar letters to the White House seeking relief from FEMA’s stringent requirements.
President Trump’s criticism of FEMA isn’t new. During a recent appearance on Fox News with host Sean Hannity, Trump lambasted the agency for its handling of recent disasters, including Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and wildfires in California. “FEMA has not done their job for the last four years,” Trump said. “What they’ve done with FEMA is so bad. FEMA is a whole other discussion because all it does is complicate everything.”
Trump hinted at sweeping changes to the agency, suggesting that states should take more responsibility for disaster response. “I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems,” he said. “FEMA is getting in the way of everything. The Democrats actually use FEMA not to help North Carolina. It makes no sense.”
READ: Trump Teases FEMA Changes, Saying That Democrats Made The Agency “Bad”
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, devastated North Carolina in late September 2024, causing an estimated $78.7 billion in damages and claiming 219 lives. Trump pledged to visit the state to address ongoing recovery challenges before heading to California, where wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes and strained local resources.
In Treasure Island, residents are still grappling with the aftermath of two hurricanes that struck the area in quick succession. Mayor Payne hopes that by appealing directly to the president, the city can bypass FEMA’s red tape and accelerate rebuilding efforts. “I don’t know if I’ll hear back from Trump, but I’m hoping that his staff is at least briefing him,” Payne said. “What we are asking is for the same relief that North Carolina and California have received—less regulation and more support.”
The push to reform or dismantle FEMA has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue that eliminating the agency could leave states ill-equipped to handle large-scale disasters, while supporters believe local governments are better positioned to manage recovery efforts.
As the debate continues, Treasure Island and other affected communities are left waiting for answers. For now, Mayor Payne remains hopeful that his letter—and others like it—will prompt action from the White House. “The more letters, the better,” he said. “We need to get the president’s attention.”
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