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FEMA Denies Colorado 300-Million Dollar Wildfire Aid, Citing 'Major Disaster' Threshold

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 6:10 GMT by Fox News

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Colorado Governor Accuses Trump of “Playing Political Games” After FEMA Denies Disaster Requests

The recent denial of federal disaster assistance by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the state of Colorado has sparked a sharp response from Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat who has been in office since 2019. In a statement released on the day the decision was announced, Polis accused former President Donald J. Trump of “playing political games” that have left Colorado and its residents “in the lurch” following a series of devastating natural disasters. The story, which appears in Fox News and is linked to several other outlets, outlines the circumstances of the denial, the political context, and the governor’s next steps.

1. The Disaster Request and the FEMA Denial

Colorado’s request for federal aid came after a string of severe wildfires in the summer of 2023 that scorched more than 200,000 acres and displaced thousands of residents. The state’s emergency management agency, in coordination with the Colorado Office of Homeland Security, had submitted a formal application for “Major Disaster” status under the Stafford Act. The request sought around $300 million in federal assistance for firefighting efforts, infrastructure repair, and economic recovery for impacted communities.

FEMA, however, declined to grant the request. In a brief statement issued by the agency, officials noted that the state’s application did not meet the required threshold for “major disaster” status. Specifically, the agency cited the state’s high baseline preparedness and resource allocation, which, according to FEMA’s guidelines, meant that the federal contribution would be unnecessary at that time. The denial also highlighted that Colorado’s disaster declaration had been issued under a “partial” declaration that did not qualify for the full range of federal benefits.

The denial was unexpected by many state officials and was seen as a blow to Colorado’s recovery efforts. It comes at a time when the federal government is under scrutiny for its handling of natural disasters, and it raises questions about how political considerations may be influencing the allocation of resources.

2. Governor Polis’s Response

Governor Polis responded to the decision with a statement that has been widely circulated in Colorado media. In it, he described the FEMA denial as a “political snub” that “plays into a narrative of neglecting rural and underserved communities.” He also singled out former President Trump, who appointed Dan Patrick, a former Texas Senate President, as FEMA Administrator in 2023, as “playing political games.” Polis accused the former president of using the federal agency to further a partisan agenda and suggested that the denial was part of a broader pattern of politicizing disaster aid.

Polis called on the federal government to reconsider its assessment and requested an “immediate appeal” of the decision. He said that the state will be pursuing legal action and will be working closely with federal agencies to secure the assistance needed for Colorado’s wildfire victims. “We are asking for a fair review of our request,” Polis said. “We’re not looking for a political stunt.”

3. Trump’s Influence Over FEMA

The article delves into the political history of FEMA under Dan Patrick’s leadership. Patrick was appointed by Trump in 2023, and his tenure has been characterized by an emphasis on “national security” and a more restrictive interpretation of federal aid eligibility. The piece references earlier coverage that has suggested Trump’s political allies, including Patrick, have been involved in a “political tug‑of‑war” over disaster funding in the West.

In a separate link, the Fox News article cites statements from former FEMA officials who describe the agency as “tightly controlled by political interests.” Those officials note that the criteria for disaster declarations have become more stringent, especially after the Trump administration’s policy shifts toward a more austere federal response to natural disasters. The article also references a 2022 report from the National Association of State Emergency Management Directors that criticized the federal government for delaying assistance to wildfire‑stricken states.

4. Broader Context and Implications

The article situates the Colorado case within a broader national trend. The federal government has been criticized for its inconsistent response to disasters in states such as California, Arizona, and New Mexico. In particular, the federal government has faced scrutiny over its handling of wildfires in the Southwest and the drought in the Great Plains. In each of those cases, state officials have accused the federal agency of political bias.

The Fox News piece also notes that the Trump administration has historically taken a more “hands‑off” approach to disaster aid, arguing that it “encourages local resilience.” Critics argue that this stance left many communities underprepared and left them vulnerable to the rapid escalation of natural disasters. The article suggests that Trump’s political legacy may continue to shape FEMA’s decisions, as evidenced by the current denial in Colorado.

5. Next Steps for Colorado

In his statement, Governor Polis indicated that Colorado will be pursuing legal remedies and appealing FEMA’s decision. He also emphasized the need for cooperation with state emergency management and the Colorado Office of Homeland Security. The governor said that Colorado will continue to monitor the situation and that the state will provide resources for wildfire victims while the appeal process is underway. He urged the federal government to expedite a review and to ensure that the assistance Colorado needs is made available.

The article concludes with a note that the situation remains fluid and that further developments are expected. As the federal disaster response cycle approaches its next phase, Colorado’s situation may serve as a bellwether for how political dynamics influence the allocation of emergency assistance in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

• FEMA denied Colorado’s request for $300 million in aid for 2023 wildfires, citing failure to meet “major disaster” thresholds.
• Governor Jared Polis criticized the decision as a political snub and accused former President Trump of influencing FEMA’s refusal.
• Former President Trump appointed Dan Patrick as FEMA Administrator; the agency’s restrictive criteria have been a point of contention.
• Colorado plans to appeal the decision and may pursue legal action, while calling for a “fair review” of their request.
• The incident is part of a broader national trend of politicized disaster aid, especially under the influence of Trump’s former appointees.

For those looking to stay informed, the Fox News article provides links to related coverage on FEMA’s guidelines, Trump’s role in disaster policy, and the broader political debate over federal disaster assistance.