FEMA ‘not ready’ for 2025 hurricane season: Report
Share and Follow


() The loss of key staff and low morale at the Federal Emergency Management Agency have derailed the agency’s planning for the June 1 start of hurricane season, according to an internal document obtained by Reuters. The agency chief said on Thursday that FEMA is well prepared.

The agency has lost 2,000 full-time staffers, or roughly one-third of its total, to terminations and voluntary incentives as part of an effort by President Donald Trump to slash the size and cost of the federal bureaucracy.

The internal document underscores potential challenges facing the agency, including possible issues with morale, a lack of coordination with states and resource constraints as it prepares for the start of hurricane season.

Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have called for the disaster relief agency to turn over much of its work to states while also floating the idea of abolishing it. FEMA is part of DHS.

The concerns about morale and staffing were included in a 19-page slide deck titled “Hurricane Readiness Complex Problem Solving” and were prepared for acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson to use in a meeting with agency leaders, according to a person with knowledge of the matter and a statement from a DHS official.

Some Senate Republicans are unsettled by the Trump administration’s decision to fire Cameron Hamilton, acting director of FEMA, for speaking out against Trump’s plan to shutter the agency.

Hamilton testified to lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee earlier this month that closing FEMA would not be in the best interest of the American people. The next day, he was escorted out of FEMA’s headquarters after being let go.

The swift retaliation against an administration official over testimony before a congressional panel was jarring to some Republican lawmakers, who worried it could chill the willingness of officials to answer questions candidly at future hearings.

The move signaled Trump is serious about eliminating FEMA, something that many Republican senators strongly oppose.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., whose home state was hit hard by Hurricane Helene in September, said it was a mistake to fire Hamilton over his testimony.

“I think he was giving his honest opinion and in some respects he had an obligation to do that because he was under oath,” he said.

Tillis said Hamilton made “the right decision” by giving lawmakers his candid opinion when asked about the elimination of the agency.

Reuters and partner The Hill contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Lexington, Kentucky shooting: 2 killed, multiple hurt at Richmond Road Baptist Church after trooper shot; suspect dead, police say

Lexington, Kentucky Incident: 2 Dead and Several Injured at Richmond Road Baptist Church After Trooper is Shot; Suspect Killed, According to Police

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two women were shot and killed at a Kentucky…
Trump: 'God was protecting me' 1 year ago at attempted assassination

Trump Reflects on Attempted Assassination: ‘Divine Protection Saved Me’ One Year Ago

This Sunday, presents a special report: “The Plot to Kill Trump: One…
30 years later: How deadly July, 1995 Chicago heat wave led to formation of Office of Emergency Management and Communications

Three Decades On: The Impact of Chicago’s July 1995 Heatwave on Establishing the Emergency Management and Communications Office

CHICAGO (WLS) — This time, 30 year ago, Chicago was grappling with…
Wildfire destroys a historic Grand Canyon lodge and other structures

Historic Grand Canyon Lodge and Other Structures Devastated by Wildfire

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A fast-moving wildfire destroyed a historic lodge and…
'Bad Vegan' Sarma Melngailis claims her ex ruined her life

“Ex-Partner Blamed for Downfall by ‘Bad Vegan’ Star Sarma Melngailis”

The iconic duck portraits, once a staple in the dining room of…
Cullman’s Roy Drinkard, Oldest Living U.S. Marine, Celebrates 105th Birthday

Cullman’s Roy Drinkard, the Oldest Living U.S. Marine, Turns 105 Years Old

Congressman Aderholt honors 105-year-old Marine veteran Roy Drinkard with a Capitol flag…
Summer beach day turns dangerous as lightning strikes three at St. Augustine Pier in Florida

Summer beach day turns dangerous as lightning strikes three at St. Augustine Pier in Florida

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Three people were injured…
Small town dentist facing trial for allegedly poisoning wife's protein shake amid secret affair

Small town dentist facing trial for allegedly poisoning wife’s protein shake amid secret affair

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A high-profile murder trial…