The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reportedly suspended a number of staff who criticized the agency's direction under US President Donald Trump.
The staff are said to have been among those who recently signed an open letter that castigated Trump officials over cuts and alleged interference, warning that another national catastrophe akin to Hurricane Katrina was possible.
More than 20 employees were told on Tuesday that they had been put on administrative leave, according to sources who spoke to CBS News.
Asked by the BBC for a comment, a FEMA spokesperson stated that the agency's obligation was to survivors of disasters, not to protecting broken systems.
The spokesperson further remarked: It is not surprising that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform. Change is always hard, especially for those invested in the status quo, who have forgotten that their duty is to the American people, not entrenched bureaucracy.
Recent scrutiny of US disaster readiness has surfaced after deadly flooding in Texas, aggravated by Trump's actions during his administration. After returning to office in January, Trump proposed significant changes to FEMA, even suggesting that state-level officials might be better suited to handle natural disasters. Reports state that hundreds of employees have left FEMA this year amid various reasons, including dissatisfaction with recent changes.
Of the 191 FEMA employees who signed the open letter, most chose to remain anonymous. This letter, reflecting on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, pointed out the storm's death toll and the need for competent disaster management leadership. It criticized the Trump administration for funding cuts, lack of permanent leadership, and the suppression of climate science. The letter concluded with demands for a defense against interference from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and an end to politically motivated firings.
Responses from FEMA’s officials defended the current reforms, stating a commitment to service and suggesting that prior inefficiencies were crippling the agency's effectiveness. Some employees receiving suspension notifications expressed their dismay, with reassurances that they would continue to receive pay and benefits during this non-duty status, which they were assured was not punitive.
The suspension of these rapid-response staff is particularly concerning given the recent casualties from disasters, such as the 27 lives lost at a girls' summer camp during July flooding in Texas. Overall, the progress made in disaster readiness continues to draw attention as the North Atlantic hurricane season progresses, with potentially increased activity expected due to climate change.
The staff are said to have been among those who recently signed an open letter that castigated Trump officials over cuts and alleged interference, warning that another national catastrophe akin to Hurricane Katrina was possible.
More than 20 employees were told on Tuesday that they had been put on administrative leave, according to sources who spoke to CBS News.
Asked by the BBC for a comment, a FEMA spokesperson stated that the agency's obligation was to survivors of disasters, not to protecting broken systems.
The spokesperson further remarked: It is not surprising that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform. Change is always hard, especially for those invested in the status quo, who have forgotten that their duty is to the American people, not entrenched bureaucracy.
Recent scrutiny of US disaster readiness has surfaced after deadly flooding in Texas, aggravated by Trump's actions during his administration. After returning to office in January, Trump proposed significant changes to FEMA, even suggesting that state-level officials might be better suited to handle natural disasters. Reports state that hundreds of employees have left FEMA this year amid various reasons, including dissatisfaction with recent changes.
Of the 191 FEMA employees who signed the open letter, most chose to remain anonymous. This letter, reflecting on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, pointed out the storm's death toll and the need for competent disaster management leadership. It criticized the Trump administration for funding cuts, lack of permanent leadership, and the suppression of climate science. The letter concluded with demands for a defense against interference from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and an end to politically motivated firings.
Responses from FEMA’s officials defended the current reforms, stating a commitment to service and suggesting that prior inefficiencies were crippling the agency's effectiveness. Some employees receiving suspension notifications expressed their dismay, with reassurances that they would continue to receive pay and benefits during this non-duty status, which they were assured was not punitive.
The suspension of these rapid-response staff is particularly concerning given the recent casualties from disasters, such as the 27 lives lost at a girls' summer camp during July flooding in Texas. Overall, the progress made in disaster readiness continues to draw attention as the North Atlantic hurricane season progresses, with potentially increased activity expected due to climate change.
