For nearly 70 years, U.S. presidents have been authorized to issue declarations that provide states with federal emergency funds in response to natural and human-caused disasters. Although political considerations are not part of the criteria, research by a Congressional think tank shows that politics may have played a role, especially in election years. A potential case in point: President Trump's recent decision to approve federal aid for California wildfires. 

Check out The China Report, our new weekly newsletter. Subscribe here!