CNMI governor voices concern over Trump plan to dismantle FEMA

06/23/2025—Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said he is taking a “closer look” at U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency, warning that such a move could have “very impactful consequences” for disaster-prone islands like the Northern Marianas.

Reacting to Trump’s public call to phase out FEMA after the 2025 hurricane season, Palacios emphasized the CNMI’s vulnerability to typhoons and natural disasters and questioned how the proposed change would affect small communities across the Pacific.

“You know, we are part of a lot of disasters, being in a typhoon alley,” Palacios said. “Even if you make [FEMA] go away, so what’s going to take its place? And how is that going to work for small communities in the Pacific that are very highly susceptible to disasters?”

Delegate Kimberlyn-King Hinds said she’s simply against the abolition of FEMA.

“I support keeping FEMA. The CNMI doesn’t have the infrastructure or resources to respond to disasters or typhoons on its own which makes FEMA such critical lifeline for response and recovery.”

Trump made headlines recently when he announced in a White House briefing that disaster recovery should become the sole responsibility of states and territories, with minimal federal involvement moving forward.

“A governor should be able to handle it, and frankly, if they can’t handle it, then maybe they shouldn’t be governor,” Trump said, according to a CNN report.

Palacios, for his part, said that while there may be merit in revisiting FEMA’s procedures, abolishing the agency entirely would be irresponsible. “I’m not sure that I would support something where you completely make FEMA go away,” he said. “We have to have a very stable system for addressing [emergencies].”

FEMA has played a key role in the CNMI’s recovery from major typhoons, including Yutu and Soudelor, providing emergency aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and coordinating long-term housing efforts.

Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have vowed to dismantle FEMA, calling it ineffective. Noem is leading a FEMA Review Council that is drafting recommendations to “drastically reduce the agency’s footprint.”

Palacios said the CNMI government will be submitting its perspective to the White House.

“It is something to be concerned about,” he said. “We need to review extensively and provide our thoughts and our perspective on whatever policy is being proposed out there.”

When reached for comment the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management requested that questions be forwarded to a representative of FEMA.

By Mark Rabago