Overview
- David Richardson, a former Marine and DHS official with no disaster-management background, told FEMA staff he was unaware the U.S. has a hurricane season.
- The Department of Homeland Security insisted Richardson’s remark was a joke and highlighted NOAA’s forecast of 13 to 19 named storms, including up to 10 hurricanes, this season.
- Richardson announced FEMA will not issue an updated disaster response plan for the 2025 season, reversing his earlier promise of a new strategy.
- FEMA has lost about one-third of its full-time workforce since January and sharply cut hurricane training and workshops for state and local emergency managers.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Bennie Thompson publicly condemned Richardson’s leadership and urged his replacement.