New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is sharply criticizing President Donald Trump after his administration rejected the state’s appeal for $84.4 million in federal disaster assistance related to the severe February 2026 winter storm.
The state had sought a major disaster declaration following the February 22–23 storm, which brought roughly two feet of snow to parts of central and eastern New Jersey. Eight of the state’s 21 counties recorded record or near-record snowfall, according to information cited by New Jersey’s congressional delegation.
New Jersey originally submitted its request for federal assistance on April 7. FEMA denied it on July 2, and Sherrill appealed the decision on July 20. The appeal sought Public Assistance, including reimbursement for snow removal and emergency costs in 19 counties, as well as statewide Hazard Mitigation assistance. The Trump administration rejected that appeal on September 2.
In a statement following the decision, Sherrill accused Trump of using the federal government against people he considers political opponents and said ordinary New Jersey residents will ultimately bear the cost.
“Natural disasters don’t care about political parties,” Sherrill said, arguing that FEMA experts had determined disaster relief was warranted before the request was rejected at the presidential level.
She said New Jersey communities and public workers responded to an extraordinary series of winter storms and should not be financially penalized for the costs of restoring roads and services.
The denial could leave significant expenses with state and local governments. For example, Lakewood Township had expected approximately $6.5 million in federal reimbursement after spending about $8 million on snow removal during the unusually severe winter.
New Jersey officials have also questioned why the request was rejected after regional FEMA and NOAA officials reportedly determined that the state met federal thresholds for assistance. FEMA’s statewide cost threshold for public assistance was approximately $18 million, substantially below New Jersey’s reported eligible costs.
Rep. Frank Pallone also condemned the decision Wednesday, saying New Jersey taxpayers were being denied assistance for a storm that caused record snowfall and resulted in 12 deaths. Pallone previously called for congressional committees overseeing FEMA to investigate the administration’s handling of the request.
The White House has previously rejected accusations that disaster assistance decisions are politically motivated. A spokesperson has said the administration is reviewing requests to ensure federal disaster aid supplements, rather than replaces, the responsibilities of state and local governments.
Sherrill said her administration will continue pushing for resources to help New Jersey municipalities prepare for and recover from future disasters.
Sources: Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill; FEMA-related statements from New Jersey congressional delegation; Rep. Frank Pallone; Sen. Andy Kim; Sen. Cory Booker
By NJ RADAR Team