Story perspectives

FEMA Official Claims Teleportation Experience Sparks Controversy

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Gregg Phillips, head of FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery, claimed in January 2025 he was teleported 50 miles to a Georgia Waffle House.
He described the experience as scary yet real.
Phillips, appointed in December 2025, has a record as a far-right activist who promoted unfounded voter fraud claims and inflammatory remarks about Biden.
FEMA downplayed his statements as taken out of context, with testimony before Congress anticipated.

History

Historical Context

Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans on August 29, 2005, exposing severe deficiencies in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) response, which had been criticized since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The aftermath prompted significant reforms, including the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, aimed at improving disaster preparedness and response, highlighting ongoing challenges in emergency management and political influence within FEMA.

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Story summary

Gregg Phillips, head of FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery, claimed in January 2025 he was teleported 50 miles to a Georgia Waffle House.
He described the experience as scary yet real.
Phillips, appointed in December 2025, has a record as a far-right activist who promoted unfounded voter fraud claims and inflammatory remarks about Biden.
FEMA downplayed his statements as taken out of context, with testimony before Congress anticipated.

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