Massachusetts Fights Federal Disaster Aid Denial After Blizzard

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is asking President Donald Trump to reconsider his decision to deny the state's request for a federal disaster declaration following the historic blizzard in February 2026 that crippled the area for several days.

The Fight for Federal Disaster Relief

The Trump Administration denied Healey's disaster request on July 2.

Healey's letter states, "Massachusetts clearly exceeded all requirements and qualifications for federal assistance, and more importantly, Massachusetts communities need federal assistance to recover and move forward."

Politico reported that "President Trump overruled his own agencies when he denied disaster aid for four Democratic-led states," including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey.

Massachusetts Urges Trump To Reconsider Paying For February Blizzard Cleanup — Kate Robinson/Townsquare Media

Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, along with Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Jake Auchincloss, Bill Keating, and Steve Lynch, have also sent a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider the denial of federal disaster aid.

Record-Breaking Snowfall and Economic Toll

The letter states, "Across the region, the storm is estimated to have caused as much as $38 billion in damage and economic losses."

"In Massachusetts, communities such as Fall River and New Bedford experienced historic levels of snowfall, with more than 41 inches of snow reported in some areas," according to the letter.

Trump recently called out New Bedford's scallop industry during the signing of an executive order to reopen portions of Georges Bank. Perhaps the mention of the city will warm the cockles of his heart and get him to crack open the checkbook.

Springfield's WWLP-TV reported, "Massachusetts officials reported more than $45 million in direct expenses from the storm, which exceeded the state's $13.6 million threshold required for federal reimbursement eligibility."

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National Guard assistance was required in New Bedford and Fall River to clean up after the February 22-23 storm. Healey filed her request for a federal disaster declaration in April.

Political Tensions and Legal History

Healey has bragged about having sued Trump "over 100 times" when she was Attorney General. Current A.G. Andrea Campbell has also been involved in dozens of suits against Trump.

It could be that karma really is a – well, you know.

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Keep reading to find out individual state records in alphabetical order.

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