Executive Order January 29, 2026 Doc #2026-01872 Executive Order 14378

Continuance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council

Public Safety Government Reform Infrastructure

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In Simple Terms

The President has decided to keep the FEMA Review Council active until March 25, 2026. The Homeland Security Secretary will manage it.

Summary

On January 23, 2026, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14378, which extends the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council until March 25, 2026. This council, originally established by a previous executive order in 2025, is tasked with assessing FEMA's operations. The order assigns the Secretary of Homeland Security the responsibility for performing presidential functions related to the council under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The order is effective from January 24, 2026, and emphasizes compliance with existing laws and budgetary constraints.

Official Record

Federal Register Published

Signed by the President

January 23, 2026

Published on WhiteHouse.gov

View on WhiteHouse.gov

Published in Federal Register

View on Federal Register View Printed Version (PDF)

January 29, 2026

Document #2026-01872

Analysis & Impact

💡 How This May Affect You

Working families and individuals: Improved disaster response planning may enhance safety and recovery after emergencies.
Small business owners: Better FEMA oversight could streamline disaster aid processes, aiding quicker business recovery.
Students and recent graduates: Enhanced emergency management can lead to safer campuses and communities during crises.
Retirees and seniors: Improved disaster preparedness may offer better protection and services for seniors in emergencies.
Different regions (urban, suburban, rural): Tailored emergency strategies could address unique challenges specific to each area's needs.

🏢 Key Stakeholders

Department of Homeland Security gains oversight duties, influencing FEMA Review Council operations.
Federal Emergency Management Agency sees continued review, impacting its strategic planning.
Emergency management professionals face ongoing scrutiny, affecting operational adjustments.
General Services Administration supports procedural guidance, impacting council's administrative framework.
Advocacy groups for disaster preparedness may influence council's recommendations and policies.

📈 What to Expect

Short-term (3–12 months):

Council reviews FEMA's emergency response protocols.
Recommendations for FEMA improvements submitted to Homeland Security.
Increased inter-agency collaboration observed.

Long-term (1–4 years):

Enhanced FEMA response efficiency in disaster scenarios.
Implementation of new emergency management strategies.
Greater public trust in FEMA's capabilities.

📚 Historical Context

Similar to Truman's 1947 National Security Act, restructuring federal emergency management.
Builds on policy from Executive Order 14180, extending FEMA Review Council's mandate.
Delegates presidential functions to Homeland Security, akin to Reagan's 1981 delegation of economic policy.
Notable for its continuation rather than termination, unlike Carter's 1977 reorganization of FEMA.
Reflects ongoing trend of executive reliance on advisory councils, seen since FDR's New Deal era.