Trump’s order weakens disaster aid equity, risking unfair recovery outcomes
Advocates warn that a new executive order from Donald Trump, eliminating federal equity plans, will worsen long-standing disparities in disaster recovery aid, favoring wealthier, white communities over low-income and minority groups.
Matt Sledge reports for The Intercept.
In short:
- Trump’s order ends government “equity action plans” designed to address unfair disaster aid practices, halting efforts by agencies like FEMA to improve access for marginalized groups.
- Studies show disaster recovery programs often leave low-income and minority residents worse off while wealthier individuals increase their wealth.
- Practices like requiring title documentation and credit checks disproportionately exclude vulnerable populations from accessing aid.
Key quote:
“You could throw a pin to any state on the map and see a disaster where there was an inequitable distribution of resources.”
— Noah Patton, disaster recovery manager, National Low Income Housing Coalition
Why this matters:
Disaster recovery policies amplify systemic inequities, leaving disadvantaged communities unable to rebuild. Eliminating efforts to address these disparities perpetuates cycles of wealth inequality and racial injustice, especially as climate disasters intensify.
For more: Trump considers scaling back federal disaster aid to states
