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2w ago

FEMA Acting Chief’s ‘Unaware of Hurricane Season’ Remark Draws Criticism on Readiness

DHS labels the comment a joke, insisting FEMA is prepared for hurricane season despite leadership and staffing concerns.

FEMA head David Richardson told his staff he was unaware of US hurricane season.
A resident enters a FEMA's improvised station to attend claims by local residents affected by floods following the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Marion, North Carolina, U.S., October 5, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo
David Richardson - FEMA Head
This is the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Overview

  • FEMA Acting Administrator David Richardson told staff he was unaware the United States has a hurricane season, prompting agency confusion over his remark’s intent.
  • A DHS spokesperson said the comment was made in jest and emphasized FEMA is ready and activated for the upcoming hurricane season.
  • Richardson, a former Marine artillery officer with no disaster response experience, postponed issuing a new disaster plan to avoid conflicting with the Trump administration’s FEMA Review Council.
  • Since January, roughly 2,000 full-time FEMA employees—about one-third of its workforce—have left under Trump administration cuts, and hurricane training for state and local managers has been scaled back.
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Bennie Thompson have publicly questioned Richardson’s qualifications and urged more experienced leadership ahead of a forecasted above-normal storm season.