Congressional delegation asks Trump to approve Kentucky disaster declaration

Karla Ward, Lexington Herald-Leader on Jul 28, 2026

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Kentucky’s congressional delegation has sent a letter to President Donald Trump, asking him to approve a major disaster declaration for flooding, tornadoes and storms that hit the state between June 17 and June 30.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear sent a formal request for federal assistance to Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency July 23.

The letter dated Tuesday was signed by all six of Kentucky’s representatives in the U.S. House, as well as Sen. Mitch McConnell, who remains hospitalized in a rehabilitation center, and Sen. Rand Paul.

Six people died as a result of the severe weather, three of whom were in Madison County, and states of emergency were declared in 19 counties and 13 cities. Some parts of the state got as much as 10 inches of rain in one weekend.

“The compounding effect of the waves of storms and rain have resulted in far more damage than had these weather events been isolated,” the letter read in part. “A total of 42 homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, and over 100 businesses have been affected. Many roads, bridges, and electric infrastructure are severely damaged, causing a considerable economic impact across the state.

“Volunteers along with state and local emergency response organizations have been working tirelessly to clear debris and muck out flooded homes. However, with the recent string of disasters that Kentucky has faced, many disaster response teams in the state are fatigued and overwhelmed. Given the substantial damage and the challenges faced by state and local resources, we believe Federal assistance is necessary.”

The letter asks for the president’s “immediate consideration” of the state’s request, which asked for public and individual assistance, as well as hazard mitigation funding.

“Kentucky families have endured an extraordinary stretch of severe weather, and many communities are facing a long road to recovery,” Congressman Andy Barr said in a news release Tuesday. “The damage across Central Kentucky, especially in Madison County where lives were tragically lost and neighborhoods were devastated, underscores the urgent need for federal assistance.”