Over 180 FEMA Employees Warn Congress Of Katrina-Like Disaster Risks

More than 180 current and former FEMA employees have publicly warned Congress about the agency's weakened disaster response capabilities under the Trump administration. Their letter highlights the lack of a Senate-confirmed, qualified FEMA administrator since January 2025, leadership by individuals without emergency management experience, and significant staff reductions that undermine FEMA's mission. The group criticizes budget cuts, elimination of risk reduction programs, interference with preparedness efforts, and censorship of climate science, all of which they say increase the risk of catastrophic failures similar to Hurricane Katrina. They urge Congress to elevate FEMA to a cabinet-level independent agency and protect its employees from political interference. Acting FEMA head David Richardson, lacking emergency management experience, was appointed following the firing of his predecessor, and the administration has signaled a desire to reduce FEMA's role in favor of state governments. Despite internal resistance, a spokesperson for the administration defended reform efforts as necessary changes against entrenched bureaucratic interests.