Markwayne Mullin Reforms FEMA, Threatens Customs Halt

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin toured United States===North Carolina areas devastated by Hurricane Helene in 2024, outlining plans to prioritize disaster relief. This marks his first official trip since replacing Kristi Noem, whose leadership was criticized for hindering federal disaster response. Mullin ended Noem's directive requiring personal approval for United States===United States Department of Homeland Security expenditures over $100,000, a move praised for potentially streamlining United States===Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements. He also signaled a different approach to United States===Federal Emergency Management Agency, focusing on clearing backlogs ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season. Mullin is considering halting customs processing at airports in 'sanctuary cities' that resist the Trump administration's immigration policies, a move that could disrupt international travel and trade. United States===North Carolina, still recovering from Hurricane Helene's $60 billion in damages and 108 deaths, has $1.6 billion in United States===Federal Emergency Management Agency public assistance obligated and 2,000 projects pending approval. The United States===Federal Emergency Management Agency is also facing a partial government shutdown and a low Disaster Relief Fund.