Could the Federal Emergency Management Agency, better known as FEMA, face a future shift?

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that may lead to reforms, an overhaul, or even the agency’s elimination, which fall under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

And while dismantling FEMA would require congressional approval, Trump emphasized that states should take the lead on disaster recovery.

KUAM spoke with Charles Esteves, Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, for his insights.

“Everyone who works in the field of emergency management understands that all disasters are locally led and managed. So what FEMA does is that they’re in the support role, and they can help us get equipment and resources. I don’t believe that the federal government will not be there for us when we need it in whatever capacity that may be,” said Esteves.

Esteves says FEMA’s role in assisting Guam is two-fold: Non-disaster and disaster.

“During the non-disaster role, we receive grants from FEMA and also DHS headquarters, and the grants we receive from FEMA basically help us run some of the operations, purchase equipment, and supplies,” added Esteves.

He said the agency also provides these supports.

“They also run a grant called the Public Assistance Grant Program and the Individual Assistance Grant program. And so they provide money to individual households for losses sustained as a result of a natural disaster or even a human cause,” said Esteves.

To note, after Typhoon Mawar devastated Guam in 2023, FEMA reported that by May 2024, the island had received over $338 million in federal assistance.

This included grants from FEMA’s individual and public assistance programs, as well as low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Meanwhile, Trump has signed an executive order to create a review council to evaluate FEMA’s performance. The council is expected to convene within 90 days and submit a report within 180 days of its meeting.

Esteves noted he would have a more informed response once the review’s details emerge.

Similarly, Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s Communications Director, Krystal Paco San Agustin, stated, “We will review those plans as soon as they are published.”