After a series of powerful storms tore through Arkansas in March and April, Gov. Sarah Sanders says the state is in “dire need of federal assistance” to recover.
But President Donald Trump has declined to step in, saying the state can manage on its own.
Fourteen tornadoes hit Arkansas on March 14 and 15, killing three people and injuring dozens more.
Homes and businesses were damaged, and cleanup efforts continue in counties like Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone.
Initial Request Rejected by Trump Administration
Sanders requested a major disaster declaration from the Trump administration shortly after the storms, hoping to unlock federal funds and assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
However, the request was denied.
The federal response stated, “Based on our review of all of the information available, it has been determined that the damage from this event was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies.”
A Second Appeal After More Destruction
Sanders pushed back with an appeal filed on April 18, noting that a second wave of storms and severe flooding had struck less than three weeks later, worsening the damage.
“The severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 14 and 15, 2025, produced catastrophic impacts across the state,” Sanders wrote in the appeal letter.
“Less than three weeks later, Arkansas was once again devastated by a second wave of severe storms, tornadoes, and a generational flooding event. These compounding disasters severely affected many of the same counties, adding even more catastrophic debris and tragically claiming the lives of three additional Arkansans. Given the cumulative impact of these events, federal assistance is essential to help our communities recover.”
As of Monday afternoon, the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management had not received a response to the appeal.
Rare Denial Raises Eyebrows
This denial stands out, as the state rarely hears “no” from the federal government when asking for help.
In the past five years, Arkansas has only been turned down twice for federal disaster aid, according to the division’s spokesperson, Lacey Kanipe.
FEMA has typically responded with support, including aid for storms in 2023 and 2024.
Sanders’ Shift on Federal Aid
Sanders’ current plea for help marks a shift from her earlier, more hands-off stance on federal aid.
In 2023, despite her limited-government approach, then-President Joe Biden approved federal help for Arkansas within 48 hours after a deadly tornado outbreak.
A press release from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management in 2024 praised the Biden administration’s fast action, saying, “Within 24 hours of the disaster, Governor Sanders officially requested a presidential disaster declaration. Within 48 hours of the storms, President Biden signed a Major Disaster Declaration activating federal resources to support the State’s response and recovery.”
Now, Sanders is asking for the same kind of help, but this time, Trump isn’t budging.
Trump Questions FEMA’s Future
Trump’s rejection comes as he openly questions the role of FEMA itself.
During a January trip to disaster-hit areas in North Carolina and California, his first as president since returning to office, Trump floated shutting down FEMA entirely.
“FEMA has turned out to be a disaster,” he said while touring a North Carolina neighborhood ravaged by Hurricane Helene.
“I think we recommend that FEMA go away.”
Trump said he wants states to receive federal money directly and manage disaster response on their own.
Despite his criticism, Trump pledged support to North Carolina and California and said he would work with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Pushback Over FEMA Elimination Proposal
The proposal to eliminate FEMA has drawn pushback.
Experts point out that dismantling the agency would require Congressional approval.
FEMA was created by executive order under President Jimmy Carter but has since been embedded in federal law.
The agency now plays a central role in responding to natural disasters, coordinating emergency personnel, supplies, and funding. Its responsibilities have grown in recent years as extreme weather events become more common.
Democratic lawmakers have also criticized the idea.
Rep. Deborah Ross of North Carolina said on X, “I appreciate President Trump’s concern about Western NC, but eliminating FEMA would be a disaster for our state.”
Arkansas Still Waits
While Trump pledges help to other disaster-struck states, Arkansas is still waiting.
And that’s despite the state’s deep-red voting record and strong Republican leadership.
Trump’s decision not to help Arkansas, often considered one of the most reliably Republican states in the country, has raised questions about how and why federal aid is being distributed.
For now, even his political allies in the state are left hoping for a change of heart.
IMAGE CREDIT: “Sarah Huckabee Sanders” by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image adjusted for layout.