The decades-long movement to kill FEMA

A new series from “On the Media” traces the mistrust and conspiracy theories that have plagued FEMA since its founding in 1979.

Hurricane season officially begins in June. And in the event of a big storm, local and state governments often rely on help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA. But, President Trump has questioned the value of the agency.  

“I've never been a big fan of FEMA. I like to keep it local. I like to see governors and neighboring states help each other as opposed to FEMA,” Trump said in March.

We’ve heard this from the administration about other federal agencies, but FEMA is a special case. People have mistrusted this agency since its founding in the late 1970s.  

Host Flora Lichtman talks with Micah Loewinger, co-host of the show “On The Media,” who traced FEMA’s history in a new series called “American Emergency: The Movement to Kill FEMA.”

Guest: 

Micah Loewinger is co-host of On The Media.Other episodes you may enjoy:

• As Disasters Escalate, What’s The Future Of FEMA?
• Can We Geoengineer Our Way Out Of A Natural Disaster?

Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.

Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.