Trump signs emergency declaration for Washington floods

SEATTLE – President Donald Trump granted Washington’s request for an emergency declaration in response to this week’s devastating flooding, unlocking federal help with the state’s initial recovery.

Gov. Bob Ferguson praised the president’s decision for immediate help but cautioned it does not guarantee federal dollars will be forthcoming for individual flood victims or to help rebuild damaged roads.

Ferguson said he received a phone call Friday from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem informing him of Trump’s quick decision to sign Washington’s request for a federal emergency declaration.

While Washington leaders have repeatedly clashed with Trump – including on past denials and delays in disaster aid – Ferguson and other state and local officials sounded a grateful note during a Friday news conference at a levee along the Green River in Tukwila.

Ferguson described Noem’s phone call as gracious and the type of bipartisan cooperation the public expects in a crisis. “She asked how we were doing here in Washington state. I just deeply appreciate the call and their support,” he said.

Trump’s decision authorizes Federal Emergency Management Agency help with the immediate aftermath of the historic floods. The FEMA designation covers damage from storms, wind, flooding and landslides from Dec. 9 onward. It allows FEMA to provide equipment and federal assistance, covering 75% of the cost under its public assistance program.

But Ferguson and Sen. Maria Cantwell emphasized the declaration is just the first step in trying to obtain federal help in responding to the flooding that has forced tens of thousands to flee their homes.

Cantwell said the decision by Trump will allow FEMA to help in the short term with evacuations, clearing roads of debris and setting up temporary shelters.

The state will make separate requests for longer-term recovery aid for individuals and for state and local governments, whose budgets will be strained by the massive flooding.

“Secretary Noem did say to me in our conversation that there’d be resources very potentially available. She gave me her cell number. She encouraged me to reach out to her directly if those weren’t forthcoming, and so I’ll be following up directly with her,” Ferguson said.

Cantwell said she talked with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday morning to make the case that the storm’s washing out of major highways is a national economic concern.

“So we really hope that they’ll take that into consideration and really understand what the disaster is going to do to everyone, and hopefully look at it positively,” she said.

All members of Washington’s congressional delegation, Republicans and Democrats, signed a letter supporting the emergency request.

Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, also celebrated Trump’s declaration. On X, he posted photos from the White House Christmas party and thanked “the White House staff members who facilitated the discussion on the need for an emergency declaration for the flooding in Washington.”

While the disaster aid request was a bipartisan affair, Baumgartner couldn’t resist tweaking Ferguson about the Democratic governor’s initial social media announcement about the president’s decision.

“Bob, it’s OK to thank President Trump. You won’t melt,” Baumgartner wrote on X.

Ferguson and other state Democratic leaders have clashed heatedly with Trump on an array of issues, including his denial of FEMA aid for the state’s 2024 bomb cyclone. Trump rejected Washington’s request, while boasting of delivering money to states that voted for him. He also initially blocked funding to Malden, Washington, after the devastating 2020 wildfire.

Asked whether Trump’s initial decision on the flooding might signal a better outcome for the state this time, Ferguson said he was “not focused on the past” and would “welcome a conversation with the president to say thank you for granting this” – and press for additional help.

Emergency management officials said they were not aware of any fatalities resulting from the flooding, but emphasized the situation is evolving and urged residents to obey road closure signs and evacuation orders.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay pointed to the Segale Levee along a rushing Green River where it becomes the Duwamish – the site of the news conference with Ferguson and other officials.

A sinkhole had been spotted on the levee, potentially threatening it with a breach, but King County crews worked overnight with the Army Corps of Engineers to shore up the earthen bulwark.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the coordination I’ve seen,” he said.

The emergency declaration signed by Trump was authorized for Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom and Yakima counties, as well as the Samish Indian Nation and other tribal nations in the affected areas, according to a copy of the order provided by the governor’s office.