Story perspectives

FEMA Reinstates Staff, Powell Backs Move for 2026 FIFA

5/1/2026

Center

FEMA Reinstates Staff

FEMA and the Federal Reserve announced personnel actions to address ongoing investigations and staffing concerns under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Employees who signed the “Katrina Declaration” were officially reinstated by FEMA after months of suspension.
The agency said the steps aim to ensure 2026 hurricane season and FIFA Cup readiness.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell will back off his May 15 end, calling Donald Trump’s attacks unprecedented.

Left

Mullin Restores Staff

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin is reversing Noem-era staffing cuts and a $100,000 rule to strengthen FEMA before 2026 hurricane season.
Fourteen FEMA employees who signed the “Katrina Declaration” were reinstated after eight months of administrative leave.
Senator Andy Kim questioned Mullin on retaliation, leading Mullin to promise adherence to whistleblower protections.
Experts warn FEMA remains understaffed, with a one-third loss of workers and halted hurricane-readiness training.

History

Historical Context

After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August 2005, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ levee system failed at 53 sites, exposing FEMA’s response weaknesses. Congress then passed the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act, signed by President George W. Bush in August 2006, prohibiting retaliation against agency staff. Today’s reinstatement of the fourteen whistleblowers reflects that 2006 protection.

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FEMA Reinstates Staff

FEMA and the Federal Reserve announced personnel actions to address ongoing investigations and staffing concerns under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Employees who signed the “Katrina Declaration” were officially reinstated by FEMA after months of suspension.
The agency said the steps aim to ensure 2026 hurricane season and FIFA Cup readiness.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell will back off his May 15 end, calling Donald Trump’s attacks unprecedented.

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