Story perspectives

FEMA Struggles Amid Staff Exodus and Hurricane Threat

8/25/2025

28 7

Summary

Story summary

FEMA employees alerted Congress that disaster response progress has regressed since Hurricane Katrina under the Trump administration.
Acting FEMA head David Richardson reportedly showed insufficient knowledge of hurricane season, raising staff concerns.
New spending rules and email requirements have impeded disaster response efforts.
Approximately 2,000 FEMA employees have departed since Trump took office, causing anxiety among remaining staff.
Forecasters anticipate an active hurricane season, exacerbated by climate change.

1 of 1

Story summary

FEMA employees alerted Congress that disaster response progress has regressed since Hurricane Katrina under the Trump administration.
Acting FEMA head David Richardson reportedly showed insufficient knowledge of hurricane season, raising staff concerns.
New spending rules and email requirements have impeded disaster response efforts.
Approximately 2,000 FEMA employees have departed since Trump took office, causing anxiety among remaining staff.
Forecasters anticipate an active hurricane season, exacerbated by climate change.