Trump approves $60.6M in aid for Tennessee following winter storm

President Donald Trump announced more than $60 million in federal aid for Tennessee for winter storm recovery through a Truth Social post on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump on Friday announced his approval of $60.6 million in aid for Tennessee following severe winter storms that left hundreds of thousands of residents without power. 

Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social, a social media platform owned by Trump Media & Technology Group.

“Incredible people, that I know will rebuild, FAST!” Trump wrote, noting that the funds will help those recovering from the winter storm in the “Great State for Tennessee (which I won three times!).” 

Trump’s post does not specify which counties are approved for aid or which types of aid they can receive. As of 4:50 p.m., the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website does not yet indicate that the state’s major disaster declaration, the vehicle for longer-term disaster assistance funding, has been approved.

Gov. Bill Lee requested an expedited major disaster declaration — which can open up federal recovery resources and funding for governments and individuals beyond immediate lifesaving needs — on Jan. 28.

Lee’s request includes both public and individual assistance from FEMA. The request is limited to 23 counties where damage is “already evident and expected to easily exceed assistance thresholds,” Lee’s office stated on Jan. 29.

Damage assessments continue and Lee indicated more qualifying counties may be added to the request.

Lee also requested hazard mitigation assistance, which would devote federal funds toward preventative projects that could lessen the impact of future disasters. 

The late January storm and bitterly cold temperatures that followed left swaths of the state with dangerously icy roadways, decimated thousands of trees and knocked out power for more than 300,000 customers, including more than 225,000 in Nashville alone. 

President Trump approved an emergency declaration for the state on Jan. 24, making immediate emergency support and limited reimbursement available to state and local governments as they work to restore power, clear roadways and provide lifesaving services to residents. 

FEMA announced the approval of $11 million in combined emergency response funds for Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana on Jan. 30. Typically, funds for emergency public assistance are reimbursed by the federal government after states document the cost of their response efforts. 

FEMA approves $11M in expedited emergency response funds for Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana

“This time, because the storm was so serious, FEMA is sending the money upfront so Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana can act quickly,” the agency stated in a news release.

Tennessee received $3.75 million.

Major disaster declarations can provide additional federal resources for Tennessee, including more funding for repairs to public infrastructure. 

FEMA uses per capita cost as a benchmark to gauge whether local and state governments can handle recovery without federal help. Those thresholds currently stand at $4.72 per capita for counties, and $1.89 per capita for states.

But this information serves only as a guideline. Presidents have sole authority to approve or deny a disaster declaration, regardless of whether a state or county meets those thresholds, and not all programs are offered for every disaster. The reasoning behind declaration decisions is not public record.

Lee requested public and individual assistance for the following counties:

• Cheatham
• Chester
• Clay
• Davidson
• Decatur
• Dickson
• Hardeman
• Hardin
• Henderson
• Hickman
• Lawrence
• Lewis
• Macon
• McNairy
• Maury
• Perry
• Robertson
• Rutherford
• Sumner
• Trousdale
• Wayne
• Williamson
• Wilson