US EditionFEMA employees say Trump policies are undermining disaster response in open letter
More than 180 FEMA employees warn that staffing cuts, policy changes, and delayed mission approvals have weakened disaster response, risking failures similar to Hurricane Katrina, they say.
- Over 180 present and past FEMA staff members released a letter during the week marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, expressing concern that severe budget cuts could lead to a disaster similar to Katrina.
- The letter warned that the Trump administration has ignored legal requirements, reduced FEMA's capacity, installed inexperienced leadership, and pushed states to fund disaster relief.
- The employees criticized policies like the expenditure approval process, noted that one-third of FEMA's workforce left since Trump took office, and cited failures such as delayed responses during Texas floods.
- The letter emphasized a collective dedication to the nation, professional responsibilities, and the goal of assisting individuals affected by disasters, urging Congress and the public to be aware of the significant consequences resulting from current administrative decisions.
- These warnings imply that current FEMA reductions could undo reforms made after Katrina and threaten the agency's ability to respond effectively to future disasters.
179 Articles
179 Articles
FEMA workers say mismanagement under Trump puts disaster response at risk
More than 180 Federal Emergency Management Agency employees have warned Congress that mismanagement and unqualified leadership under the Trump administration are undermining the agency’s ability to respond to disasters.Brianna Sacks reports for The Washington Post.In short:FEMA employees say the agency is being led by unqualified officials without Senate confirmation, violating post-Katrina laws meant to ensure competent disaster response. They …
FEMA staff tell US Congress inexperience of Trump officials risks Katrina-style disaster - Hawaii Tribune-Herald
WASHINGTON — Nearly three dozen staff at the U.S. agency that responds to natural disasters warned Congress in a letter on Monday that the inexperience of the Trump administration’s top appointees could lead to a catastrophe on the level of Hurricane Katrina.
‘Katrina Declaration’ warns FEMA changes could cost lives
Nearly 200 current and former FEMA employees are warning Congress about recent changes to the agency.In a letter called the Katrina Declaration, workers accused the administration of eroding FEMAs response capabilities and appointing unqualified leadership. They warned of the possibility of failures similar to those during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.The group wants FEMA to become a Cabinet-level independent agency protected from political interfe…
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