Twenty Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency for scrapping a crucial grant program that supported disaster mitigation. The lawsuit argues the Trump administration illegally ended the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities programme,

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program was designed to reinforce infrastructure vulnerable to natural disasters. The attorneys general claim it was illegally cut.

President Donald Trump’s administration has systematically reduced states’ access to resources to safeguard their people against natural disasters.

FEMA is projected to face a $1.6 billion to $2.3 billion deficit in its disaster relief fund due to increased storm activities and federal staffing cuts. The strain on resources may lead to prioritizing immediate needs,

Ex-FEMA officials say it’s unclear how the response differs from FEMA’s typical role in disasters, which is to support states through coordination and funding.

FEMA officials are two months behind in posting grant application guidelines, which are expected to reflect President Trump’s demand for cooperation on his priorities.

In light of federal plans to phase out FEMA by the end of 2025, artificial intelligence can help multiply and streamline state and local preparation for, response to and recovery from wildfires, hurricanes and floods.