US EditionFEMA chief was joking with hurricane season awareness remarks: DHS
- Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson joked during an early June 2025 staff briefing that he did not know the U.S. Had a hurricane season.
- The joke arose amid preparations for an active hurricane season with forecasts predicting 13 to 19 named storms and a 60% chance above normal activity.
- The Department of Homeland Security clarified Richardson’s remark was a joke and emphasized FEMA's full activation and focus on disaster response.
- Democrats including Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Jasmine Crockett criticized Richardson, with Schumer questioning his tenure and Crockett mocking his qualifications.
- Despite criticism, FEMA continues reviewing emergency aid requests and preparing for potentially severe storms, reflecting commitment after a damaging 2024 hurricane season.
17 Articles
17 Articles
FACT OR FICTION: FEMA director doesn't know the U.S. has a hurricane season?
A story getting a lot of buzz this week claims the head of FEMA said he wasn't aware the United States has a hurricane season.It's true.Several sources told Reuters that acting FEMA chief David Richardson made the remark during a daily briefing June 2.It was reportedly not clear to staff whether he meant it literally or was joking.The Department of Homeland Security said Richardson was joking.In a statement, a spokesperson said Despite mean-spir…
Jasmine Crockett Rips FEMA Head Who Told Staff He Wasn't Aware U.S. Has A Hurricane Season
Texas Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett harshly criticized David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), after he told his staff—a day after the start of the Atlantic hurricane season—that he wasn't aware that the U.S. has a hurricane season. The hurricane season, which began Sunday and runs through Nov. 30, is widely regarded as FEMA’s most demanding period, when the nation faces heightened risk …
White House says FEMA head was joking when he said he wasn't aware of hurricane season
Trump administration officials say Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson was joking when he said that he was not aware of the upcoming hurricane season. NBC News' Kelly O'Donnell reports on how White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to questions over the remarks.
Was it really a joke? FEMA's acting leader criticized over hurricane season remarks
HOUSTON (KIAH)—Homeland Security (DHS) employees were left in confusion when it seemed that the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is housed in the department, claimed not to know that the U.S. has an official hurricane season. David Richardson Official Portrait (DHS photo by Tia Dufour) David Richardson was appointed in May after the previous administrator, Cameron Hamilton, was let go after the Trump administ…
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