An investigation by POLITICO’s E&E News reveals that former President Donald Trump delayed Washington state’s federal aid request after devastating 2020 wildfires, which caused widespread destruction and killed a young child. Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee’s $37 million aid appeal languished for four months without action, despite FEMA confirming the wildfires met federal disaster aid requirements.
Trump’s rocky relationship with Inslee, whom he previously criticized over COVID-19 policies, and documents of similar delays for disaster aid requests from Democratic governors, such as those in California, Maryland, and Utah. Trump withheld or delayed aid to multiple states, reportedly using disaster funding as leverage against political opponents. FEMA head Pete Gaynor denied knowledge of intentional delays, while E&E News cited emails and congressional pleas from Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers as evidence of bipartisan support for Washington’s aid request.
Ultimately, President Joe Biden approved Inslee’s request two weeks into his presidency, 141 days after its initial filing. This delay marks the longest response time for disaster relief requests since FEMA records began in 2007, contrasting with the 17-day average approval window.
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