DENVER (AP) — Colorado Governor Jared Polis has criticized President Donald Trump for allegedly engaging in “political games” after the federal government rejected the state’s requests for disaster declarations following recent wildfires and flooding.

On Saturday evening, Polis received two denial letters from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These letters came in response to Colorado’s appeals for major disaster declarations due to wildfires and mudslides in August and what was termed as “historic flooding” in the southwestern part of the state in October.

Governor Polis, alongside Colorado’s U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, both Democrats, expressed their disapproval of the denials and announced plans to challenge the decision.

“Residents affected by the Elk and Lee fires, as well as those suffering from the flooding in Southwestern Colorado, deserve more than the political maneuvering we are witnessing from President Trump,” Polis stated.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the president’s actions, explaining that Trump carefully evaluates each request for federal disaster aid. She emphasized that the administration aims to ensure that federal funds are utilized responsibly, supplementing state efforts rather than replacing them in disaster response and recovery.

Jackson said there is “no politicization” to Trump’s decisions on disaster aid.

Trump has raised the idea of “phasing out” FEMA, saying he wants states to take more responsibility. States already take the lead in disasters, but federal assistance comes into play when the needs exceed what they can manage on their own.