The Trump administration has taken the unusual step of reversing itself in order to approve disaster aid for storm-damaged electric utilities in Michigan, after denying the request twice last year.
The move will provide tens of millions of dollars to two rural electric cooperatives that sustained more than $300 million in combined damage during an ice storm in March 2025.
The cooperatives, located in an area of northern Michigan that is supportive of President Donald Trump, had increased rates last year after their request for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency was rejected.
The administration approved disaster aid for both utilities on Friday, days before Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) faces a confirmation hearing to become secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA.
