Trump approves federal disaster aid for six states and tribes

President Donald Trump has approved federal disaster aid for Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and for tribes in Montana and South Dakota following storms and flooding this spring and summer, according to the Associated Press. The disaster declarations will allow federal funding to help residents, local governments and nonprofits recover from damage caused by the storms.

Trump’s approval came weeks to months after some requests, continuing a trend over time of longer waits for disaster relief regardless of the political party in power. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the administration is conducting “a more thorough review of disaster declaration requests than any Administration has before him” to ensure federal tax dollars are spent wisely. Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers noted the delays have left some residents waiting for assistance to repair homes and recover from August flooding.