FEMA Official Gregg Phillips Defends Teleportation Claims Amid Controversy

Gregg Phillips, the associate administrator for the Office of Response and Recovery at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has faced significant scrutiny following his claims of experiencing "teleportation." These assertions, which Phillips insists are linked to his religious beliefs, have sparked controversy and raised questions about his fitness for a leadership role within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

CNN

Phillips has publicly stated that he has undergone multiple involuntary teleportation experiences, including one instance where he claims to have been transported to a Waffle House approximately 50 miles from his original location. He described these experiences as frightening and uncontrollable during a podcast episode in January 2025. Phillips has characterized these incidents as part of a "spiritual journey" during his cancer treatments, referencing biblical examples of supernatural occurrences.

CNN

The claims made by Phillips have drawn sharp criticism from several Democratic lawmakers. Bennie Thompson, the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, expressed serious concerns regarding Phillips' appointment, highlighting his history of violent rhetoric and conspiracy theories. Thompson stated, “That kind of violent rhetoric and wild conspiracy theories are troubling for someone who holds a leadership position at DHS.” Similarly, Rep. Tim Kennedy labeled Phillips as “wildly unfit for his role,” citing his comments about former President Joe Biden and immigrants as disqualifying factors.

CNN

In response to the backlash, Phillips has taken to social media to defend his statements, asserting that they have been taken out of context. He emphasized his faith, stating, “I have no regrets for my words nor my faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ.” Phillips also referenced biblical passages to support his claims, including a New Testament account of the apostle Philip being transported by the Holy Spirit. He has maintained that his experiences are genuine and has declined to clarify how his comments were misrepresented.

CNN

Despite the controversy, neither FEMA nor Phillips has provided detailed explanations regarding the specific context of his teleportation claims or why he did not attend a recent House hearing on the impacts of the DHS shutdown. This lack of clarity has contributed to ongoing skepticism about his qualifications and the implications of his statements for FEMA's credibility.

CNN

• “Haters gonna hate,” — Gregg Phillips, FEMA Associate Administrator

CNN

• “That kind of violent rhetoric and wild conspiracy theories are troubling for someone who holds a leadership position at DHS.” — Bennie Thompson, House Homeland Security Committee

CNN

• “All of which, to me, makes him wholly disqualified to hold his position on its own — but only to be outdone by his claims of being teleported to a Waffle House.” — Tim Kennedy, U.S. Representative

CNN

• “It was real,” — Gregg Phillips, on his teleportation experiences

CNN

Phillips' claims and the surrounding controversy continue to raise questions about the intersection of personal beliefs and professional responsibilities within federal agencies.

CNN