Wisconsin Officials Condemn Trump Administration's Denial of Disaster Assistance

Strategic Insights -

Wisconsin officials, including Governor Tony Evers and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, have expressed outrage over the Trump administration's decision to deny additional disaster assistance to rebuild infrastructure in six counties affected by the historic floods in August 2025. The denial, made during a federal government shutdown, has left communities in Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties without the aid they desperately need to recover from the devastating storm.

Key Takeaways:

  • Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley stated that the decision left him feeling "extremely disappointed" and that the funds would go towards repairing parks, government buildings, and other public infrastructure damaged by the floods.
  • Over $123 million in financial assistance has been distributed to county residents for home repairs, but the damage to public infrastructure is estimated to be around $34 million.
  • Governor Tony Evers filed an appeal asking the Trump administration to release more than $26.5 million in public assistance for infrastructure repair, which has been denied.
  • U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Representative Gwen Moore expressed frustration over the denial of federal assistance, stating that Wisconsinites need support to rebuild and recover.
  • Two bills (AB-580 and AB-581) have been introduced to the Wisconsin Legislature to provide disaster relief and grant assistance to individuals and businesses severely impacted by the floods.
  • Milwaukee County is currently crafting a budget which will not be padded by COVID-era federal funds, and County supervisors are debating amendments to Crowley's proposed $1.4 billion budget, which includes cuts to transit services and eviction legal defense programs.

Statistics:

  • Over $123 million in financial assistance has been distributed to county residents for home repairs.
  • Estimated damage to public infrastructure is around $34 million.
  • Governor Evers filed an appeal asking the Trump administration to release more than $26.5 million in public assistance for infrastructure repair.
  • The Trump administration claimed that the public assistance program is not warranted, despite the significant damage caused by the floods.
  • Wisconsin has 30 days to send an appeal to the Trump administration.

Sources:

  • "Record-Shattering Flood Hits Milwaukee County" by Wisconsin Examiner (August 11, 2025)
  • Statement from Governor Tony Evers
  • Statement from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley
  • Statement from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
  • Statement from U.S. Representative Gwen Moore
  • Wisconsin Examiner (August 11, 2025)
  • "Milwaukee County's 2026 Budget" by Wisconsin Public Radio (October 15, 2025)