Administration Is Denying Declaration

The Trump administration is denying Rhode Island's request for a disaster declaration following a blizzard earlier this year.

Members of the state's congressional delegation are accusing the administration of improperly rejecting this request in order to make it harder for Democrat-leaning states to get aid.

The blizzard back in February led to historic snowfall and triggered thousands of power outages.

The delegation is urging the state to ask FEMA for an explanation why the request was denied.

Meantime Governor McKee is blasting the decision:

“The Trump Administration’s denial of Rhode Island’s disaster declaration appears to be yet another case of the White House putting politics ahead of people. Despite the significant documented damage and our state’s compelling case for federal assistance, Rhode Island and our communities are being denied the support we deserve.

"This blizzard was one of the most severe weather events in Rhode Island history. It shattered snowfall records, caused power outages, and imposed significant costs on our cities and towns as they worked around the clock in partnership with my administration to keep Rhode Islanders safe.

"Together, we mounted a swift and effective response to an unprecedented storm. Now, we will appeal this decision and continue fighting for the federal support Rhode Island deserves.”

The White House has not commented yet.

(Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)