Staff members from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) who had previously criticized the Trump administration faced a cycle of suspension and reinstatement, only to be suspended again after the administration discovered their return to work.

According to a statement given to The Hill by a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, “CNN reporting uncovered that 14 FEMA workers, initially placed on leave for alleged misconduct, were mistakenly and without proper authorization brought back by officials who exceeded their authority.”

The spokesperson further explained, “Upon discovery, the unauthorized reinstatement was promptly addressed by senior leadership. The 14 staff members involved in signing the Katrina declaration have been placed back on administrative leave.”

There is currently no clarity on the duration of the employees’ suspension or if they will be allowed to return to their positions in the future.

Back in August, a coalition of current and former FEMA employees had expressed criticism in a letter targeting the Trump administration’s policies, arguing that these measures were undermining the agency’s effectiveness in disaster response.

Their “Katrina Declaration” specifically criticized a policy under which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has to personally review major expenditures, saying that it “reduces FEMA’s authorities and capabilities to swiftly deliver our mission.”

Many of the current employees signed anonymously, but a handful put their names on the letter. The Trump administration placed employees who signed their names to the letter on leave.

CNN reported that last week, staffers had been given reinstatement notices saying that the investigation into their conduct had been closed.

The agency has received particular scrutiny from President Trump, who has floated axing it entirely though has since talked more about reforming the agency and having it dole out less money to states. 

The president set up a council that is expected to soon release recommended changes to FEMA.