Colorado Governor Criticizes Trump Over Disaster Aid Denials

Dec 22, 2025, 3:50 AM

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Colorado Governor Jared Polis has publicly criticized President Donald Trump, accusing him of playing "political games" following the denial of disaster declaration requests for the state. The Trump administration's decision came after significant wildfires and flooding impacted Colorado earlier this year, leading to calls for federal assistance from state officials.

Polis' office announced that he received two denial letters from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) late Saturday. These letters were in response to requests for major disaster declarations related to wildfires and mudslides that occurred in August, as well as what Polis described as "historic flooding" in southwest Colorado in October.

In a statement, Polis expressed his disappointment, stating, "Coloradans impacted by the Elk and Lee fires and the flooding in Southwestern Colorado deserve better than the political games President Trump is playing." He emphasized that the state would appeal the denials, seeking to secure the necessary federal support for recovery efforts.

The denials have drawn criticism not only from Polis but also from Colorado's US senators, Democrats Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, who have joined the governor in decrying the administration's decision.

In response to the accusations, Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, defended Trump's approach to disaster assistance. She stated that the president responds to each request "with great care and consideration," ensuring that federal funds are used appropriately and efficiently. Jackson asserted that there is "no politicization" in Trump's decisions regarding disaster aid.

Trump has previously suggested the idea of "phasing out" FEMA, advocating for states to take greater responsibility in disaster management. While states typically lead in disaster response, federal assistance is crucial when the needs exceed local capabilities.

The ongoing debate over disaster aid highlights the tensions between state and federal responsibilities in emergency management, particularly in the wake of natural disasters that have increasingly affected various regions across the United States.

As Colorado prepares to appeal the denial of disaster declarations, the situation underscores the critical need for effective collaboration between state and federal governments in addressing the aftermath of disasters and supporting affected communities.

The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for Colorado's recovery efforts and may set a precedent for how disaster assistance is handled in the future.

In conclusion, the conflict between Governor Polis and President Trump over disaster aid reflects broader political dynamics and the challenges faced by states in securing necessary federal support during times of crisis.

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