Markwayne Mullin, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, advocated for a significant change in disaster response during his visit to Asheville, North Carolina. He emphasized that states and local governments should take the lead, positioning FEMA as a support agency rather than the primary responder. This statement comes as the region continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024. Mullin's comments reflect a broader critique of FEMA's operational effectiveness, particularly following policies enacted by his predecessor, Kristi Noem, which were criticized for causing delays in fund distribution. Mullin has taken steps to address these issues, including clearing a backlog of home buyout requests and revoking a policy that required personal approval for contracts exceeding $100,000. While he acknowledges the need for FEMA's restructuring, he has also faced criticism regarding his qualifications in disaster management, having no prior experience in relevant committees. Despite previous skepticism about climate change, Mullin's recent statements indicate a recognition of the challenges posed by climate-related disasters, as highlighted by studies linking Hurricane Helene's severity to climate change. He reassured affected communities that they have not been forgotten and that FEMA's role will be to assist in initial recovery efforts.