For Immediate Release – February 9, 2026
Trump Administration Denies Illinois FEMA Appeal for Major Disaster Declaration
SPRINGFIELD – The Trump Administration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially denied the State of Illinois’ appeal for a major disaster declaration following severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding that impacted multiple counties from August 16–19, 2025.
In a letter dated February 7, 2026, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reaffirmed its initial decision, stating that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act is not warranted for this incident. This denial specifically applies to the state’s request for Individual Assistance for residents in Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and Will counties.
The state’s appeal, submitted on November 21, 2025, followed months of coordination between local, state, and federal officials, including joint Preliminary Damage Assessments and a supplemental round of assessments in early November to capture the full scope of the damage. The August 16–19 storm system caused substantial flooding, significant property damage, widespread power outages, and blocked roadways for homeowners and businesses across Northern Illinois.
“Let’s call this what this is: a politically motivated decision that punishes thousands of Illinois families in a critical moment of need. Playing politics with disaster relief funding is a new low, even for the Trump Administration,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Ignoring the realities of widespread damage from the August 2025 severe storms, speaks volumes about the federal government’s vindictive priorities and complete disregard for American livelihoods.”
“It is incredibly disappointing that an incident of this magnitude, which upended the lives of thousands of Illinoisans, was not declared a major disaster,” said the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Acting Director Theodore “Ted” Berger. “The scope of the damage validated through our joint assessments was significant. While this federal support will not be forthcoming, we will continue to work with local emergency management partners to support their ongoing efforts to assist our communities in their long-term recovery.”
