A federal judge has ruled that the administration of President Donald Trump acted unlawfully in terminating a critical disaster preparedness program designed to help U.S. communities become more resilient to natural disasters. The decision represents a major victory for 20 states that challenged the administration’s effort to end the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, a key FEMA initiative.

Judge Cites Congressional Authority

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns issued the ruling, stating that the Trump administration overstepped its authority in attempting to dismantle the program. Stearns described the action as an “unlawful executive encroachment on the prerogative of Congress to appropriate funds for a specific and compelling purpose.”

“The BRIC program is designed to protect against natural disasters and save lives,” Stearns wrote. “The imminence of disasters is not deterred by bureaucratic obstruction.”

The ruling follows an earlier court order preventing FEMA from diverting over $4 billion allocated for BRIC to other uses, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in maintaining oversight of federal disaster preparedness funding.

BRIC Program Overview

The BRIC program is the largest resiliency initiative offered by FEMA, supporting projects that reduce disaster risks and improve recovery efforts nationwide. Over the past four years, the program has approved approximately $4.5 billion in grants for nearly 2,000 projects, primarily in coastal and disaster-prone states.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, praised the ruling, stating, “Today’s court order will undoubtedly save lives by preventing the federal government from terminating funding that helps communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.”

The program plays a central role in FEMA’s broader strategy to implement preventive measures and enhance community resilience, particularly as climate change drives more extreme weather events across the United States.

Trump Administration’s FEMA Overhaul

Upon taking office for his second term, President Trump initially vowed to dismantle FEMA, citing a desire to reduce federal waste and reject policies tied to climate change mitigation. However, mounting opposition from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, along with criticism from FEMA staff, led the administration to reconsider its approach.

In May, acting FEMA director David Richardson assumed leadership and threatened to bypass internal resistance, pledging to “run right over” anyone opposing agency changes. His tenure faced immediate scrutiny, with nearly 200 FEMA staffers warning in August that proposed cuts could exacerbate the impact of future disasters. Richardson later stepped down in November amid criticism over his experience and controversial cuts to agency programs.

Legal and Political Implications

The court ruling reinforces Congress’s authority over federal disaster funding and highlights the importance of the BRIC program in protecting communities nationwide. Analysts note that it could limit the administration’s ability to make unilateral changes to FEMA programs in the future.

As extreme weather events—including hurricanes, floods, and wildfires—continue to increase in frequency and severity, the BRIC program remains a critical tool for disaster risk reduction and post-event recovery. Its continued operation ensures that federal support remains available to states and localities striving to bolster climate resilience and protect residents.