President Trump has recently denied federal aid funding to survivors in Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi after several tornadoes ripped through the region, destroying homes and taking the lives of over 40 people. But why? Arkansas’s request denial states “that the damage from this event was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies. Accordingly, we have determined that supplemental federal assistance is not necessary.” It has not been determined if Missouri and Mississippi will also be denied funding. 

According to CNN, Trump and the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, have made it clear they want the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) to be removed from the system. FEMA funds citizens impacted by natural disasters, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires. FEMA also spends billions of dollars on temporary housing and rebuilding homes and businesses after disasters. CNN reported that more than $100 billion worth of FEMA funding is sitting untouched due to it being frozen by Trump. 

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appealed the denial, stating “the state and its citizens are in dire need of assistance to recover, rebuild, and mitigate further loss.” Further stating in the letter, “Without the support of a Major Disaster Declaration, Arkansas will face significant challenges in assuming full responsibility and achieving an effective recovery from this event.” Despite the government’s aid to the recent disasters, volunteer organizations in Arkansas are doing what they can to help the recovery process.