Hurricane Survivor Backs FEMA Reform Plan After Southeast Devastation

Wilmington, NC - Mona Roper, a resident of North Carolina who experienced the full force of Hurricane Helene, has voiced her support for the Trump administration's plan to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Roper's endorsement follows Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem's announcement of proposed changes aimed at streamlining FEMA's operations and improving its responsiveness to natural disasters.

"After seeing firsthand how FEMA responded or didn't respond after Helene, I'm willing to give these changes a chance," Roper stated. "Secretary Noem's focus on efficiency and accountability is promising. We need a system that can quickly and effectively help people rebuild their lives after a disaster."

The proposed reforms reportedly include decentralizing some FEMA operations, increasing partnerships with state and local agencies, and focusing on pre-disaster mitigation efforts. Critics, however, argue that these changes could weaken FEMA's ability to respond to large-scale catastrophes and could disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.

Roper acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the need for change. "The current system isn't working for everyone," she said. "We need to be open to new approaches that can better serve the people who need help the most."