20 States Challenge Trump Administration’s FEMA Funding Cuts

A coalition of 20 states has initiated legal action against the Trump administration, contesting the termination of a crucial disaster mitigation program aimed at enhancing community resilience to natural disasters. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Boston, asserts that the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unlawfully eliminated its Building Resilient Infrastructures and Communities (BRIC) program, an action the states claim oversteps Congressional authority.

The complaint outlines the “devastating” consequences of the program’s abrupt closure, stating that communities nationwide are being compelled to delay, reduce, or entirely abandon hundreds of critical mitigation projects. “Projects that have been in development for years, and in which communities have invested millions of dollars for planning, permitting, and environmental review are now threatened,” the lawsuit elaborates. This disruption exacerbates the risk of harm to Americans who face increasing threats from natural disasters.

Established in 2018, the BRIC program has reportedly helped avert more than $150 billion in disaster-related costs, according to the states’ complaint. The initiative is part of a broader strategy adopted by Congress and FEMA over the past several decades, which emphasizes proactive measures for disaster preparedness rather than reactive responses following crises.

Over the last four years, FEMA allocated approximately $4.5 billion to nearly 2,000 projects across the country. “For the past 30 years, the BRIC program has provided communities across the nation with resources to proactively fortify their infrastructure against natural disasters,” stated Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha in a press release. The program has been credited with not only protecting property but also with reducing injuries and saving lives.

The Trump administration announced the discontinuation of the BRIC program in April 2025, labeling it as “wasteful” and “politicized.” Early in his second term, President Donald Trump hinted at a significant overhaul of FEMA, raising concerns about the potential elimination of disaster relief programs. Following the recent severe flooding in Kerrville, Texas, however, the administration indicated that reforms to FEMA would be implemented rather than a complete dissolution of its disaster relief efforts.

“This illegal cut endangers the communities most vulnerable to natural disasters,” remarked Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown. He emphasized that when the federal government fails to uphold its commitments, the consequences for communities and states can be dire. The lawsuit asserts that neither the termination of BRIC nor any substantial reduction in FEMA’s capabilities has been authorized by Congress, a claim supported by legislative statutes.

“In fact, Congress has specifically barred it,” the complaint states. “Therefore, the BRIC termination violates these statutes and the Separation of Powers.”

As this legal battle unfolds, the implications for disaster preparedness and community safety remain significant. The outcome could influence how federal funding is allocated for disaster mitigation in the future, impacting numerous projects that are essential for safeguarding lives and property across the United States.