Wildfires Hit New Jersey While Trump Lays off Firefighters

Washington, D.C. — As potentially the largest wildfire to hit New Jersey in 20 years forces thousands to evacuate their homes, Donald Trump has gutted the agency that works to prevent and fight wildfires, cutting over 10% of staff. Trump has also gutted federal aid for preparation and recovery from disasters like wildfires. 

Climate Power communications director Alex Glass issued the following statement: 

“Trump talked a big game during his campaign about preventing fires and protecting Americans, but now that he’s president, his chaos is costing homes, businesses, and lives. The truth is that as thousands in New Jersey are fleeing deadly wildfires, Trump is making it worse by gutting funding for firefighters and recovery and leaving Americans on their own.” 

Trump’s cuts are making disasters worse and leaving Americans to pay the price:

• Trump has gutted the U.S. Forest Service – the agency that works to prevent and fight wildfires – cutting over 10% of staff. 

• Trump has gutted federal disaster aid and fired hundreds of FEMA staffers, hindering the agency’s ability to prepare for and respond to disasters. 

• Trump signed an executive order that would shift the responsibility for disaster preparations to state and local governments. State and local officials have stated that they would be unable to make up the funds from federal disaster aid in the event of radical budget cuts.

• Trump canceled the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program – which provides aid for communities to pay for projects that help them prepare for disasters like fires – leaving communities on their own to pick up the tab.