After $18 million in damage, will Trump approve or deny MS disaster request?
Mississippians are anxiously awaiting word on whether President Donald Trump will approve federal disaster relief for March tornadoes that caused an estimated $18.2 million in damage.
The average wait time for a disaster declaration that triggers federal funding is 24 to 37 days, said Scott Simmons, director of external affairs for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Mississippi’s request was filed 38 days ago Friday, he said.
“There’s no simple blueprint or timeline on what has to be done,” Simmons said. “Nobody has said, ‘You fumbled or it ain’t happening.’ FEMA hasn’t given us any indication that anything’s awry.”
Gov. Tate Reeves on April 1 requested a major disaster declaration. The president has the final say on whether one is granted.
MS damage from 18 tornadoes
Reeves requested public assistance for 17 counties and assistance for individuals in 14 counties. A news release from his office said 18 tornadoes hit Mississippi, killing seven people. Damage is estimated at $18.2 million.
Damage stretched from North to South Mississippi, but the state’s six southernmost counties did not suffer major damage and were not included in the state’s request.
Public assistance for Mississippi counties would include debris cleanup, and restoration of publicly owned buildings and facilities, while Individual assistance would include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans and other programs.
While Mississippi leaders are hopeful federal assistance will be approved, President Trump has indicated states should play a bigger role in disaster recovery.
And he recently denied the state of Arkansas a major disaster declaration from the same March 14-15 severe storm system that caused so much damage in Mississippi. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Trump press secretary during his previous administration, has appealed the ruling.
No changes to federal policy on disasters have been announced as the June 1 hurricane season approaches.
“Until those rules change, we’re moving forward with the rules that have been in place for us,” Simmons said.
Questions raised about FEMA role
U.S. Rep. Michael Guest of Mississippi’s 3rd District recently asked Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland Security secretary, about the state’s disaster request.
“It is impacting my local jurisdictions with debris cleanup,” Guest said, according to WAPT-TV in Jackson. “It is impacting people as they seek to recover, so I would just ask that you, personally, see if anything could be done to expedite that request.”
Noem said “Trump’s heart is with the American people,” WAPT reported, and promised to follow up.
More recently, FEMA acting administrator Cameron Hamilton was replaced a day after he said that he opposed abolishing the agency. No reason was given for his replacement, USA Today and other media outlets reported.
Guest said Thursday on social media platform X, “I am continuing to urge FEMA to approve Governor Reeves’ request for federal assistance for the storms that raged across Mississippi back in March.”
This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 3:40 PM.
