Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey responds after President Trump’s decision to deny Massachusetts’ request for major disaster relief from 2026 blizzard

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to deny Massachusetts’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the severe winter storm that impacted communities across the state earlier this year:

“Massachusetts experienced one of the worst winter storms we’ve seen in decades. Our first responders, public works crews and local communities worked around the clock to keep people safe and begin recovery. They did their job, and now President Trump needs to do his. 

“I’m deeply disappointed by his decision to deny disaster assistance for Massachusetts. When communities are recovering from extraordinary disasters, the President should be focused on helping people—not turning his back on states that need support. We intend to appeal, and we’ll keep fighting to secure every federal dollar Massachusetts deserves.” 

Earlier this year, Massachusetts requested a Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency following one of the most significant winter storms to impact the state in decades. The declaration would provide federal assistance to help eligible communities recover from the storm’s impacts. 

The blizzard, which dropped nearly three feet of snow on top of existing accumulation from a January storm, left extensive damage across the state. Hundreds of power lines and trees were downed, leading to outages that impacted hundreds and thousands of customers. Snowfall rates reached up to 4 inches per hour, made travel dangerous and prompting rescues of stranded motorists across the region. Governor Healey declared a State of Emergency, activated the State Emergency Operations Center and National Guard, and requested out-of-state assets from Connecticut, New York and Vermont to support snow removal efforts. 

Trump also rejected requests for the same storm from Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey.