Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd have been appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the newly established FEMA Review Council, a bipartisan advisory body tasked with reforming and streamlining the nation’s emergency management and disaster response systems.
The appointments were announced following a January 24 executive order by President Trump creating the Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Council’s mission is to evaluate FEMA’s current capabilities and recommend reforms to improve its responsiveness and effectiveness in disaster response across the United States.
Governor Abbott, who has overseen Texas' response to numerous natural disasters, emphasized the importance of strong, localized emergency management strategies.
“As Governor of Texas, I have seen firsthand the critical role emergency management plays to protect Texans and our communities when disaster strikes,” Abbott said. “This Council will ensure FEMA becomes more responsive, efficient, and supportive of state-led disaster efforts across the nation.”
Abbott added that Texas, with what he described as the nation's most robust emergency management operation, would bring valuable experience to the national discussion. He pledged to advocate for reforms that strengthen FEMA’s partnerships with state and local governments.
Chief Nim Kidd, who will also serve on the Council, echoed the governor’s remarks and underscored the need for collaboration among all levels of government.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the FEMA Review Council and collaborate on recommendations to enhance the capabilities of emergency management across the country,” Kidd said.
He stressed the importance of optimizing FEMA’s operations to benefit not just Texas but the entire nation.
“Working together, we can synchronize the efforts of local, state, and federal partners to support Texans and all Americans,” Kidd added.
The FEMA Review Council is expected to provide a comprehensive assessment of the agency's operations and offer recommendations for change to better serve the national interest in the face of increasing natural and man-made disasters.
