Photo: Flooding along the San Juan River, October 2025.
This story by Lindsey Toomer appeared on Colorado Newsline on December 22, 2025.
Colorado officials are urging the Trump administration to reconsider its denial of disaster declarations that would have opened up federal funding to support wildfire and flood recovery in the state.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, asked Republican President Donald Trump to issue major disaster declarations for the Elk and Lee Fires in Rio Blanco County and for flooding in western Colorado. Declarations would have opened up Federal Emergency Management Agency funding to help the Colorado communities recovering from the natural disasters.
Trump denied both requests late Saturday. Polis said affected Coloradans “deserve better than the political games President Trump is playing.”
“I call on the President’s better angels, and urge him to reconsider these requests,” Polis said in a statement. “This is about the Coloradans who need this support, and we won’t stop fighting for them to get what they deserve. Colorado will be appealing this decision.”
U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, both Democrats, also called on Trump to reverse the decision. Both senators said the denial is unacceptable.
“Communities in Western Colorado are in serious need of help after the life-threatening flooding and historic wildfires earlier this year,” Bennet said in a statement. “Trump continues to use Coloradans for political games; it is malicious and obscene. A disaster is a disaster, regardless of what state in the country it took place.”
Flooding in Archuleta, La Plata and Mineral counties in October damaged more than 60 miles of road and associated culverts, drainage structures, and embankment. Drinking water and wastewater infrastructure as well as recreation infrastructure was also damaged. The floods have caused more than $13 million in damages.
The Trump administration has repeatedly targeted Colorado, promising “harsh measures” if the state does not release election denier and former Republican Mesa County clerk Tina Peters from prison, suing the state for refusing to share voter information, and suing the state for its immigrant protection laws.
All 10 members of Colorado’s congressional delegation, including Democrats and Republicans, signed a letter to Trump in support of Polis’ request for FEMA assistance. U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Grand Junction Republican whose district spans western and southern Colorado, asked the Trump administration to consider an appeal as well.
“Western Colorado has long supported the President, and that support comes from communities now facing the real human and economic consequences of recent disasters,” Hurd said in a statement. “Local leaders and residents are seeking a consistent application of FEMA criteria so recovery efforts can move forward.”
The Lee and Elk fires grew rapidly and forced evacuations in and around the town of Meeker after they were started by lightning on Aug. 2. A combined total of more than 1,200 firefighting personnel were assigned to the fires at their peak intensity in mid-August, fueled by extreme drought and critical fire weather conditions. The fires led to more than $27 million in damage.
Colorado Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Colorado Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Quentin Young for questions: info@coloradonewsline.com.