Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

FEMA to Cut 1,000 Jobs Amid Disaster Response Concerns

1/16/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

FEMA will eliminate 1,000 jobs this month, mainly the Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employees (CORE), in a move overseen by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
A planning document indicates reductions could surpass 11,500 positions from a 23,000-person workforce.
FEMA officials say CORE eliminations reflect their temporary nature, tied to disaster activity and funding.
Staff fear further cuts and worry about impacts on disaster response.

1 of 1

Story summary

FEMA will eliminate 1,000 jobs this month, mainly the Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employees (CORE), in a move overseen by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
A planning document indicates reductions could surpass 11,500 positions from a 23,000-person workforce.
FEMA officials say CORE eliminations reflect their temporary nature, tied to disaster activity and funding.
Staff fear further cuts and worry about impacts on disaster response.