DHS Secretary Calls for States to Lead Disaster Response

Mullin visits Asheville to survey Hurricane Helene recovery after Noem's ouster

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:08pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the aftermath of a powerful hurricane, with the devastated coastal town dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the storm's destruction.The new DHS administration's shift in disaster response strategy aims to empower state and local authorities in the face of increasingly severe weather events.Asheville Today

The new Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has called for US states to take the lead in disaster response efforts, rather than relying primarily on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Mullin made these remarks during his first major trip since taking office, visiting Asheville, North Carolina to survey the recovery efforts following the devastating Hurricane Helene.

Why it matters

This shift in disaster response strategy represents a significant policy change from the previous administration, which had a more centralized federal approach through FEMA. Mullin's visit to Asheville, a city hit hard by Hurricane Helene, underscores the new administration's focus on empowering state and local authorities to lead recovery efforts.

The details

In his comments, Mullin stated that FEMA should now be viewed as a support system for state and local first responders, rather than the primary coordinator of disaster relief. This decentralized approach aims to leverage the unique resources and knowledge of individual states and communities in responding to emergencies.

  • Mullin's visit to Asheville took place in April 2026, shortly after he assumed the role of DHS Secretary.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who has called for a shift in disaster response strategy to empower state and local authorities.

Kristi Noem

The previous DHS Secretary who was ousted prior to Mullin's appointment.

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What they’re saying

“We shouldn't look at Fema as being a first responder, but look at Fema as supporting the first responders you already have.”

— Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

Mullin's visit to Asheville is expected to be the first of many as the new DHS administration works to implement its decentralized disaster response strategy across the country.

The takeaway

The shift in disaster response strategy under the new DHS leadership represents a significant policy change that aims to empower state and local authorities, rather than relying primarily on the federal government through FEMA. This approach seeks to leverage the unique resources and knowledge of individual communities in responding to emergencies.