FEMA Mismanaged Nearly $10BN in COVID Funds, Audit Finds

A recent audit by the Department of Homeland Security revealed that FEMA mismanaged nearly $10 billion during the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant overspending and improper payments. Approximately $1.5 billion was allocated to one state's medical staffing without adequate vetting, and an additional $8.1 billion was labeled as 'questioned costs.' The report also identified $32.8 million in improper payments. These financial missteps came to light shortly after FEMA's Chief Financial Officer Mary Comans was fired for the agency's controversial decision to spend $59 million on luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal immigrants, a move criticized by Elon Musk. Musk urged FEMA to recover the misallocated funds, arguing that they were intended for disaster relief. The findings highlight a lack of adherence to established federal requirements, attributed to the urgency of the pandemic response.