From Axios: Massive winter storm could lay bare Trump’s FEMA cuts

“Over 160 million Americans could be pummeled by a massive winter storm this weekend, with utility companies warning of dangerous, potentially life-threatening power outages.

Why it matters: The storm will be FEMA’s first major, multistate rapid activation since the Trump administration began reducing the agency’s manpower — and watchdogs warn it may not be ready.

The big picture: No major storms made landfall in the U.S. during the 2025 hurricane season, but this weekend’s deluge could dump inches of crippling ice, freezing rain or heavy snow to regions not used to dealing with extreme winter weather.

Multiple energy companies have warned customers to prepare for “multi-day outages.”
Meteorologists are comparing the downfall to Texas’ February 2021 storm when a freeze killed more than 200 people after power failures.

Plus, Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have previously floated dismantling FEMA and seemingly denied aid requests on partisan lines, fueling local leaders’ doubts that they can depend on the administration.”