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DENVER — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has accused President Donald Trump of playing “political games” after the federal government denied Colorado’s requests for disaster declarations following wildfires, mudslides, and severe flooding earlier this year.
Polis’ office confirmed that the state received two denial letters from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) late Saturday. The requests sought federal assistance for damage caused by the Elk and Lee fires and mudslides in August, as well as what state officials described as historic flooding across southwestern Colorado in October.
State Leaders Push Back
Gov. Polis, alongside Colorado’s Democratic U.S. senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, sharply criticized the decision and announced plans to appeal the denials.
“Coloradans impacted by the Elk and Lee fires and the flooding in Southwestern Colorado deserve better than the political games President Trump is playing,” Polis said in a statement.
The governor argued that the affected communities have exhausted state resources and require federal support to recover fully.
White House Rejects Accusations
The White House pushed back against claims of political motivation. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson said President Trump reviews every disaster request “with great care and consideration,” stressing that federal funds are meant to supplement — not replace — state responsibility.
“There is no politicization in the administration’s disaster aid decisions,” Jackson said, adding that taxpayer dollars must be used efficiently and appropriately.
California Still Waiting on Aid
Colorado is not alone in its concerns. The Trump administration has yet to act on California’s request for $33.9 million in long-term disaster assistance nearly a year after the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said FEMA officials declined to meet with him during a recent visit to Washington, raising further questions about delays in federal disaster response.
FEMA’s Future in Question
President Trump has previously suggested the idea of “phasing out” FEMA, arguing that states should take greater responsibility for disaster response and recovery. While states do lead emergency efforts, federal assistance typically becomes available when disasters exceed local and state capacity.
