Kentucky Emergency Declaration and Daytona 500 Remarks
February 16, 2025
Presidential Actions
President Trump declared a state of emergency in Kentucky due to severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides that began on February 14, 2025. This declaration allows FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide assistance under Title V of the Stafford Act.
FEMA is authorized to provide equipment and resources to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding.
Jeremy Slinker of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
President Trump will attend the 2025 Daytona 500. He praised NASCAR for its tradition of honoring service members.
The President's message connects the Daytona 500 with "America's Golden Age" and the "unyielding spirit that make America great," suggesting a broader symbolic importance assigned to the event.