Wisconsin flooding: Trump Administration denies federal disaster request

FEMA denies request for public assistance

The Trump Administration has denied the federal disaster request for Wisconsin communities impacted by severe weather and flooding in August 2025.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The federal government has denied Wisconsin's request for help.

FEMA says it will not give millions of dollars to counties throughout the state that were impacted by the August storms and flooding.

This FEMA denial is for money set aside for local governments that would go toward fixing infrastructure like washed-away bridges and roads.

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On Friday, Oct. 24, Governor Tony Evers got a letter from FEMA saying the public assistance he requested to help six Wisconsin counties has been denied.

The governor says the storms caused more than $26 million dollars in damage to infrastructure. $22 million of that damage happened in Milwaukee County.

You'll remember the flooding destroyed the turf parking lot and other infrastructure in Hart Park in Wauwatosa.

Flood damage at Milwaukee Repertory Theater production center

It washed away roads across Southeast Wisconsin.

The Mcgovern Park Senior Center is now dealing with a mold problem because of the flooding there.

FEMA says it denied the request because it determined the damage was not severe enough to require federal help.

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Governor Evers announced he will appeal the denial.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley says the county can't do this alone.

"We want to make sure we are here for those who need it, and it’s unfortunate that now, with this denial, if we are not able to win in this appeal process, we’re going to have to scale back to figure out how we can make sure we can improve the quality of life with what has been impacted with these recent floods," Crowley said.

FEMA relief denied, Milwaukee County Exec. speaks

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley speaks about FEMA denying disaster relief for Wisconsin counties impacted by the historic August flooding.

It's unclear how long this appeals process will take.

To be clear—this is not impacting the $123 million in FEMA help that has gone to individuals and businesses in Milwaukee County.

DHS response

What they're saying:

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson sent FOX6 the following response:

"Just like all declaration requests, FEMA follows the Stafford Act to support the determination process at the President’s direction on whether federal assistance is warranted to supplement state, local, tribal, or territorial efforts and capabilities. The law and regulations require FEMA to review each request closely and consider the unique circumstances of disaster-caused damages as well as state and local capacity. This request was determined that the damage from the event was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state and affected local governments to recover."

"Unlike the last administration, DHS and FEMA remain focused on warranted, non-political disaster response. FEMA’s principles for emergency management assert that disasters are best managed when they’re federally supported, state managed and locally executed. Together with federal, state, tribal, local and territorial agencies, we’re strengthening and enhancing partnerships. We’re ensuring our role supports decisions that need to happen at the state and local levels."

Response from officials

What they're saying:

"Denying federal assistance doesn’t just delay recovery, it sends a message to our communities that they are on their own, and that the Trump Administration doesn't think over $26 million in damages to public infrastructure is worthy of their help. I couldn't disagree more," said Governor Tony Evers.

"By denying federal assistance, the Trump Administration is leaving Wisconsin communities to fend for themselves," said Senator Baldwin. "No community can pick up these pieces alone, and Wisconsinites need support so they can rebuild and be on the road to recovery. I hope my Republican colleagues will join me in calling on the Trump Administration to step up to the plate and be here for Wisconsin communities left in the lurch. I fully support Governor Evers' appeal for the Trump Administration to reconsider their decision and prioritize our local communities."