When disaster strikes, federal aid shouldn’t depend on who your governor voted for.

Yet that’s exactly what’s happening.

President Trump has granted full disaster declarations for Alaska, North Dakota, and Nebraska — while denying urgent aid to Illinois, Vermont, and Maryland.

These are communities hit hard by storms, floods, and fires, where residents are still sleeping in damaged homes, facing impassable roads, and waiting for help that may never come.

The denials don’t match the damage:

• Vermont was left waiting over nine weeks for a decision after devastating floods — only to be denied.
• Maryland’s request showed more than $33 million in damages — yet still, no help.
• Illinois saw severe storms displace families — but was denied individual assistance.

Meanwhile, President Trump openly touted his political victories in Alaska and Missouri while announcing the aid approvals. He wrote that it was his “honor” to deliver for the “incredible Patriots” in red states.

Let’s be clear: disaster relief is not a political favor — it’s a lifeline. And when the president picks winners and losers based on party loyalty, it’s everyday Americans who suffer.

We call on Congress, FEMA, and the White House to:

• Commit to a transparent, nonpartisan review process for disaster declarations
• Release the full damage assessments for every denied request
• Overhaul the appeals system to ensure states get timely, fair decisions based on need — not politics
• Guarantee disaster declarations can’t be used as a campaign weapon
   

Delaying or denying aid for political reasons isn’t just unethical — it’s dangerous. In small towns hit hardest by these disasters, local governments can’t cover the cost of rebuilding on their own. Roads stay broken. Homes stay unsafe. Families stay stuck.

We deserve a disaster response system that’s built for resilience, not revenge.

Add your name to demand equal access to disaster assistance — no matter what state you live in, or who your governor is.

Photo: Marc Lester/Anchorage Daily News via AP