The Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council released its final report on May 7, outlining findings from a federal review of FEMA’s mission, operations, and accountability efforts.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the council conducted what officials described as a comprehensive review of FEMA’s capabilities, operational challenges, and opportunities for reform. President Donald Trump established the council as part of the administration’s broader examination of the agency’s disaster response role and organizational structure.
The report marks a milestone in the administration’s ongoing FEMA reform efforts. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the agency is focused on directing resources to communities and individuals affected by disasters while supporting state, tribal, and local governments during response and recovery operations.
“FEMA is not the first responder, but rather a force multiplier standing shoulder to shoulder with states, tribes, and local governments to ensure rapid and effective recovery,” Mullin said in a statement released with the report.
The secretary also stated that FEMA has undergone operational changes intended to streamline the agency and strengthen readiness capabilities. According to DHS, the administration has implemented reforms independent of the council’s work, including changes tied to fiscal transparency, fraud prevention, and operational readiness.
DHS said the reforms occurred during what it described as a cumulative lapse in department funding that lasted more than 100 days. The department stated that FEMA’s operations became “leaner” and “faster” during that period while remaining focused on supporting state, local, tribal, and territorial partners before, during, and after disasters.
The FEMA Review Council includes federal officials, emergency management leaders, and representatives from state and local governments and law enforcement agencies. DHS identified the council’s members as including Secretary Mullin, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and other disaster response experts from across the country.
According to DHS, the council’s mandate was to advise the president on FEMA’s ability to address disasters “capably and impartially” and to recommend changes that officials believe serve the national interest.
The administration has not yet released details regarding which recommendations from the final report may move forward or whether additional operational changes will be implemented at FEMA in response to the council’s findings.
FEMA plays a central role in coordinating federal disaster assistance and supporting recovery efforts nationwide. The agency works alongside state and local emergency management organizations during natural disasters and other federally declared emergencies.
The release of the final report comes as federal officials continue broader discussions about emergency management operations, disaster preparedness and intergovernmental coordination during response and recovery efforts.
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