A recent poll suggests that many people are in favor of abolishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), although few Americans think President Trump’s inclination to do so is a good idea.
In the latest Economist/YouGov survey conducted over the weekend, it was found that only 9% of respondents think FEMA should be eliminated. An additional 10% believe there should be a reduction in the number of agents.
However, a significant two-thirds of Americans support the agency in some form. About 30% feel it should maintain its current size, while 36% advocate for an expansion.
The survey also reveals notable differences along party lines.
Among Republicans, 18% are in favor of getting rid of FEMA agents, with 20% supporting a reduction. In contrast, just 1% of Democrats want to eliminate them, and only 2% support a cut. Independents appear to be in the middle ground, with 7% favoring elimination and 9% regarding a reduction.
Respondents were also asked about their thoughts on removing various federal agencies and departments. A very small percentage supported the complete abolition of others, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Weather Service (NWS).
A slightly higher percentage of those surveyed, around 36%, backed more government efficiency, while 20% were in favor of removing Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Earlier this year, Trump made waves by discussing the removal of FEMA, a topic he has revisited during his 2024 campaign. At that time, he indicated he would support either a fundamental reform or the outright removal of the agency.
A Presidential Order was issued to establish a council aimed at evaluating FEMA’s functions and examining public debates about its potential reform.
In March, Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem stated they were planning to eliminate FEMA, even though it includes agents within its structure.
In June, the administration’s message shifted slightly, with Noem suggesting Trump wanted a reformation of FEMA as it currently operates, claiming, at one point, that FEMA “gives less money.”
Noem reiterated that the institution, as it stands today, “needs to be eliminated” and transformed into a more responsive agency.
The Economist/YouGov poll surveyed 1,680 U.S. adults from July 11 to 14, with a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.
