Hochul to Appeal Trump's Denial of Disaster Funds for New York Storm Recovery
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
News
Official statement
Under investigation
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced her administration will appeal the Trump administration's denial of a Major Disaster Declaration for the state.
- The declaration was sought to secure federal funding for recovery efforts following a severe snowstorm in February 2026.
- Hochul criticized the decision, stating the president is turning his back on his home state and highlighting the significant costs incurred by state and local governments.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is challenging the Trump administration's refusal to approve a Major Disaster Declaration for the state. Her administration plans to appeal the decision, which denied federal aid for recovery efforts after a severe snowstorm hit New York in February 2026.
After months of waiting, President Trump today denied our request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the snowstorm that battered New York City, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson region in February of this year.
Hochul expressed strong dissatisfaction with the White House's stance. "After months of waiting, President Trump today denied our request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the snowstorm that battered New York City, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson region in February of this year," the governor stated in an official release. She emphasized the storm's severity, noting that "many areas of our state experienced dangerously cold temperatures, high winds, and record-breaking snowfall throughout the duration of the storm; some areas in Nassau and Suffolk counties recorded nearly three feet of snow in a single day."
The governor directly accused Trump of neglecting his home state. She lamented that citizens have "a president who turns his back on his home state." Hochul also underscored the dedication of first responders, snowplow operators, and emergency management personnel who "risked their lives" during the crisis. "As a result, our state and local government incurred enormous costs due to this historic storm," she added.
many areas of our state experienced dangerously cold temperatures, high winds, and record-breaking snowfall throughout the duration of the storm; some areas in Nassau and Suffolk counties recorded nearly three feet of snow in a single day.
The initial request, submitted in March, aimed to activate the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance Program. This program would support local governments and non-profits in covering critical expenses related to the storm response. Approved funding would have assisted with debris removal and protective measures for damaged infrastructure, including essential repairs to roads, bridges, schools, parks, and water treatment facilities.
a president who turns his back on his home state.
The February storm caused extreme conditions, paralyzing much of the southern New York region on February 22 and 23. Reports indicated it affected millions and resulted in significant disruptions, including widespread power outages and transportation issues.
As a result, our state and local government incurred enormous costs due to this historic storm.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
More Stories
From Our Blog
What Gets Lost (and Found) When News Is Translated
The Critical Role of Diaspora Media in Global News
What Travellers Should Know About Countries with Restricted Press
A Digital Nomad's Guide to Following Local News
How the Same Story Looks Different in Different Countries
