Trump Approves Disaster Aid for Nebraska and Wisconsin, Denies Rhode Island

President Donald Trump approved federal disaster declarations for Nebraska and Wisconsin following significant natural disasters in early 2026. In Nebraska, the administration unlocked nearly $9.7 million for reconstruction of roads and electrical infrastructure after wildfires burned over 821,000 acres between March and April. In Wisconsin, Trump authorized $22.6 million in assistance for 19 counties and the Oneida Nation following severe storms and flooding in April, providing funds for home repairs and temporary housing.

Simultaneously, the president denied Rhode Island's request for a major disaster declaration following a record February blizzard that caused two deaths and $19 million in business damages. Governor Daniel J. McKee and Rhode Island's congressional delegation condemned the decision, noting that Trump approved over $846 million for nine Republican-leaning states on the same day the Rhode Island request was rejected.

The distribution of aid has triggered accusations of political favoritism. Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin criticized the administration for playing politics, stating that the White House had previously declined tens of millions of dollars in relief for the state. Trump's announcement regarding Wisconsin specifically highlighted his communication with Republican Representative Tom Tiffany, a gubernatorial candidate he endorsed, while omitting Governor Evers from the acknowledgment.