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Trump Administration Denies Illinois Request for Emergency Assistance After Severe August Storms
Communities across Illinois are still waiting on federal support for recovery efforts
October 8, 2026
SPRINGFIELD – The Trump Administration’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially denied the State of Illinois’ request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, derecho, flooding, and tornadoes devastated communities across the state this August. In a letter dated October 7th, Trump’s FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton stated that assistance for affected counties was “not warranted.”
“Our communities are still picking up the pieces from the destruction caused by severe weather this summer. Donald Trump should never play politics with their homes, businesses, and infrastructure,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When a massive storm system crosses state lines, the resulting damage should be evaluated fairly, consistently and based on the same objective standards and criteria, regardless of which state it impacts. Illinois will continue to explore every available option to help our communities recover and the survivors rebuild their lives after devastating storms.”
Illinois’ request was for individual and public assistance to the affected counties of Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will. The State of Illinois will be appealing this decision given the extent of the damage – including extensive property and infrastructure damage, power outages, flooding, and more.
Governor JB Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation after these storms that made additional state resources available to support response efforts and recovery operations including funding for impacted communities, additional personnel and equipment, and streamlined procurement. Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) and other Illinois agencies were also on the ground supporting local and county officials with damage assessments, debris cleanup, power restoration and mutual aid assistance.
“This is not the update we hoped to share with the communities that continue to recover from the devastating storms we experienced in August,” said IEMA-OHS Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “While we are disappointed by this decision, our mission has not changed. IEMA-OHS will continue to work alongside our local partners to assess their needs and coordinate available resources for impacted communities. We will continue to advocate for the communities and residents in need of assistance.”
This year, Illinois has experienced record-breaking weather, from torrential downpours, flash flooding, straight-line winds and several tornadoes – leading the nation with approximately 212 tornadoes verified by the National Weather Service (NWS) already this year.
While President Trump continues to politicize and destroy the integrity of the federal disaster funding process and refuses to respond when resources are objectively warranted, Governor Pritzker remains grounded in the facts and will continue to pursue all available options to secure relief for impacted Illinoisans as they recover and rebuild.
“Much like a toddler throwing a tantrum, Donald Trump continues to punish Americans who live in states that did not support him in the last election. This behavior is beneath the dignity of the office he holds,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “I support Governor Pritzker’s appeal of this decision and will continue to do whatever I can to support Illinoisans in the aftermath of these devastating storms.”
Families across Illinois are still cleaning up and rebuilding after this summer’s devastating storms, and it is outrageous that the Trump Administration would deny them the federal help they need,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “Disasters don’t discriminate against communities based on what state they live in or who they vote for—and neither should FEMA. While the Trump continues to put politics ahead of people, Governor Pritzker, local leaders and I will continue fighting to ensure Illinoisans in every corner of the state receive the resources and support they deserve when severe weather strikes.”
“Make no mistake: President Trump is turning his back on Illinois families when they need their government the most,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “Families across the state lost their homes, businesses, and power this August, and this administration just told them emergency assistance is “not warranted.” This is outrageous! Illinois taxpayers send billions a year to Washington. Money that goes to help our neighbors, regardless of politics. I will fight this partisan attack by President Trump alongside my Illinois Colleagues. I will not back down to this weak president."
“Donald Trump had an opportunity to help Americans, but instead he’s choosing to put their livelihoods at further risk in the name of politics,” said Congressman Sean Casten. “Those of us who care about Illinoisans' well-being will continue working to ensure these communities have the resources they need to rebuild and recover.”
“Once again, while thousands of families across Illinois need assistance, Trump is turning his back on our communities in political retribution,” said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez. "Comes as no surprise. Trump doesn’t want to take responsibility for caring for Americans facing emergencies - he wants to use assistance to curry favor, to reward loyalists, and to privatize services so his cronies profit from our pain. When families need support to rebuild their lives, politics should play no role in whether we show up for each other. It is time to reimagine how our government can work to keep us safe— and I am starting that work with the Reimagining Safety Act."
"This rejection by the Trump Administration is a slap in the face to communities in my district that have been working tirelessly to recover from devastating, record-breaking storms,” said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. “This funding could have made a real difference for families still picking up the pieces, which is why I was proud to support Governor Pritzker’s disaster declaration request last month that included Champaign County. One can't help but notice the states receiving approvals happen to be those the President is visiting on the campaign trail. Denying critical disaster relief to families who have already endured so much is wrong -- and should never be politically motivated. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Central Illinois gets the resources it needs and deserves.”
“Aggressive storms caused widespread damage to homes, streets, and vehicles in my district. Countless homeowners, renters, small businesses, and transit agencies across Southwest Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs in Cook County were affected and are still struggling to recover,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “The areas impacted are largely working-class, with little to no support to economically recover without federal assistance. Politicizing a tragedy is a cowardly action, but it is not surprising coming from the Trump Administration.”
“The Trump Administration’s latest decision to steal taxpayer dollars and politicize federal disaster assistance for families in northern Illinois is completely unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. “When disaster strikes, taxpayers should be able to count on the federal government showing up for them. Our communities and our families deserve better, and I will keep fighting for the federal resources that we deserve.”
“The purpose of these disaster declarations is to help families pick up the pieces of their homes, businesses, and livelihoods and start on the path toward rebuilding their lives,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “The mere idea that the Trump administration would play games with this is ridiculous and an insult to those who are already dealing with the unimaginable. I look forward to working with Governor Pritzker and all our partners to ensure Illinois families have the support they need to make a full recovery from this summer’s storms.”
“Families across Illinois are still recovering from devastating storms, and they should not have to face this crisis alone,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “When disaster strikes, the federal government has a responsibility to show up for the communities that need help. We will continue fighting to ensure Illinois families get the support they deserve.”
"It is not a coincidence that FEMA is refusing to help Illinois in the same week that Donald Trump is back on social media attacking Chicago. Trump using our city as a punching bag to score cheap political points has real impacts on Illinois families, who should not be punished because of which side of a state line they happen to live on," said Congressman Mike Quigley. "I will keep fighting alongside Governor Pritzker and my Illinois colleagues in Congress to make sure our residents get the resources they deserve."
"A true leader delivers support and funds to the communities they serve and who look up to them, regardless of zip code or state line,” said Congressman Brad Schneider. Politicizing the release of emergency funds to help recover from a natural disaster is extremely dangerous and morally wrong. Unfortunately, we cannot expect leadership from this Administration. I stand with Governor Pritzker and my Illinois Congressional colleagues in calling out this attack on our communities. We will continue to work together to find avenues to deliver the relief and support our shared constituents need and deserve to rebuild and recover.”
“When tornadoes, flooding, and destructive storms devastate Illinois communities, the federal government has a responsibility to help them rebuild," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. "The Trump Administration’s refusal to provide disaster relief to families and communities still recovering from August’s storms is outrageous. I stand with Governor Pritzker in demanding that FEMA reverse this decision and deliver the assistance Illinoisans deserve.”
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National Preparedness Month: Americans Stand Ready
This year’s theme will focus on several distinct ideas that capture how Americans take pride in their ability to protect themselves and their families and work together to recover from disasters:
- Americans stand ready to uphold our patriotic duty: When individuals are prepared and self-reliant, we can bolster the work our brave first responders do to help people on their worst day.
- Americans stand ready to protect our family and friends: We know best how to keep our loved ones safe when things go wrong.
- Americans stand ready to help our communities: Taking a proactive approach to get your community ready contributes to the nation’s resilience.
Throughout the month of September, the Ready Campaign will share easy, affordable steps to take to stand ready, no matter what comes. Tips include:
- Be in the know. Make sure you know where to get information when you need it most. Download the FEMA App to get emergency safety alerts and resources.
- Make a plan to keep you and your family safe and prepared. The plan should include emergency contact information, emergency meeting places and medical information.
- Build a kit with the essential items your family needs to stay safe and comfortable if something happens.
- Be there for your community. From volunteering in your community to learning skills like first aid and CPR, you can take steps to prepare for disasters and keep your family safe and make your neighborhood and community more resilient. Take a training course through FEMA’s Training and Education Program, the American Red Cross, or your local emergency management agency to build or gain skills to protect yourself, family, friends and community.
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Could you be eligible for federal assistance after the August storms across Illinois?
This storm system stretched across the month of August and impacted multiple counties. Because this system was so large, we need to collect damage data in Champaign County to potentially request assistance. The damage could be from a tornado, straight-line winds, rain, and/or flooding. And the damage could be to homes, businesses, and certain non-profit organizations.
If you had any damage at all to your home (roof, gutters, basement, hot water heater, furnace and air conditioner, washer/dryer, furniture, vehicles? etc.) or business, we need to track that information. Home businesses would submit both as a residence and as a business.
While you might think that your damage—or your community’s damage—isn’t significant enough to report, it will definitely help state government to add the damage losses together to map the statewide losses.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security is hopeful that by documenting ALL the costs from this storm system, it can request assistance for you from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
If you haven’t already, please use either this link (https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/recovery.html) or this code to enter your damage description.
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Pet Preparedness Means Planning and Pre-Disaster Packing
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April is Hazardous Materials Awareness Month
SPRINGFIELD– Residents may not always know what chemicals are used in their community or how to interpret the safety codes posted on certain buildings. That’s why agencies including the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), Illinois Department of Labor, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Fire Service Institute (ISFI), and local fire and emergency management partners monitor and manage this critical information.
These subject matter experts know what materials are considered hazardous, providing advice to businesses and others on hazardous material safety, and provides a system for reporting spills or other potentially dangerous releases.
This Hazardous Materials Safety Month, IEMA-OHS hopes everyone takes some time to learn about potential hazards in their communities. “Being proactive and safety conscious is key,” said IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “Each year, facilities that store certain hazardous chemicals are required to report their inventories to the State. These reports help ensure that emergency planners and first responders have the information they need to protect their communities.”
IEMA-OHS coordinates shared efforts with ISFI to provide guidance and hazardous materials training, with updates every four years or sooner as needed. Federal funds are used to provide hazardous materials training to first responders in the State of Illinois, including public employees who may come across hazardous materials during their workday.
“Illinois has just under 9200 active Tier II chemical facilities,” explained IEMA-OHS Hazardous Materials Section Supervisor David Martin. “When properly managed and stored, these chemicals can be used safely and utilized by responsible parties. The State of Illinois has proactive and well-trained regional and local responders, which reduces risk.”
The federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) mandates that each state designates a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) to implement the requirements of the act. Under the Illinois EPCRA, IEMA-OHS is designated as the SERC.
As such, IEMA-OHS works closely with Local Emergency Planning Committees, first responders, and emergency managers to ensure local communities have knowledge and access to information about certain types of hazardous materials located within their communities and are prepared in the event of chemical release.
Disaster preparedness information is readily available from IEMA-OHS on the Ready Illinois website, a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during, and after disasters.
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