As the Trump Administration looks at how to run the Federal Emergency Management Agency most efficiently, they are looking at cost-efficient options, making Texas a likely choice for the agency’s new headquarters.
Currently, the Department of Homeland Security also resides in DC, which could present challenges, separating the agencies by hundreds of miles. Additionally, acting FEMA administrator, David Richardson, resigned after just six months in office, leaving Karen Evans, the agency’s chief of staff to serve as acting administrator until December 1st.
President of the Texas Association of Business, Glenn Hamer, says one advantage Texas has, is its central location. “It’s easy to go west, east for when disaster strikes. There are also great airports across the state. In addition, there are a lot of experienced people when it comes to difficult weather events in neighboring states.” Hamer said.
He says he doubts FEMA would move all 20 thousand positions, but it would be positive for the state of Texas. Hamer also points to the state’s affordability compared to Washington, DC.
“President Trump is one of the most deregulatory presidents in our country’s history. He also has an administration of fully accomplished businesspeople. When you think about something like disaster preparations having a central office in a state- could make a lot of sense. You would have a better grasp of what’s going on the ground in a real state as opposed to being in Washington, DC where it’s easy to get isolated from real, world concerns, like you would be in DC.” Hamer explained.
Sources at Politico say there is also a consideration to appoint the Texas Division of Emergency Management Director, Nim Kidd, for the FEMA post, who was reportedly interviewed by White House Officials in February 2025, to head the agency.
Hamer says although, there are positives and negatives to moving FEMA, he credits the administration for wanting an efficient government agency.