Topline
David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told staffers he was unaware that the U.S. had a hurricane season, according to multiple reports, comments which could further raise concerns about the agency’s preparedness in tackling natural disasters after the Trump administration’s removal of its previous head.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's acting head's comments come just as the U.S. enters ... More
According to Reuters, which first reported the matter, the remarks caused confusion among FEMA staffers on whether Richardson was joking or was being serious.
Citing three unnamed sources, the report added Richardson’s comments reignited concerns about the Trump administration appointee’s lack of experience with disaster responses.
A spokesperson for the agency told various outlets that the comments were made as a joke and “FEMA is laser focused on disaster response and protecting the American people.”
Richardson held an all-hands meeting at the agency on Monday, where he said he would not be issuing a new disaster management plan for this year to avoid getting ahead of the Trump administration’s FEMA Review Council.
According to the New York Times, staffers have been advised to respond to hurricanes this year the same way they did in 2024’s hurricane season, but this has raised concerns within the agency as it will be working with reduced staff.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., tweeted a screenshot of the Reuters report on his X account and wrote: “And I’m unaware of why he hasn’t been fired yet.” Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the seniormost Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, told Reuters: “Suffice to say, disaster response is no joke. If you don’t know what or when hurricane season is, you’re not qualified to run FEMA. Get someone knowledgeable in there.”