White House delays FEMA disaster relief fund

(CNN, KYMA/KECY) - Concerns are growing over a breakdown in communication between the Trump Administration and FEMA.

FEMA officials say that there have been multiple instances where the White House has approved disaster relief funds without even notifying them and such to delays and more confusion.

Typically, FEMA advises the White House on which disasters warrant federal assistance. If the president approves aid, he signs a state's disaster declaration and FEMA is quickly notified so that relief efforts can begin.

Traditionally, FEMA officials notify state leaders that help is on the way. However, multiple FEMA leaders say that it has taken several days for the agency to get official word from the White House that President Trump has approved FEMA assistance, and that word came after states were already notified.

A FEMA source says that the delayed authorization makes FEMA look very slow when in reality the agency has not been authorized to act.

In response, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson did not address these delays but said the administration is approving disaster aid based on policy, not politics.