Emergency Response
DHS secretary defends smaller FEMA workforce after judge challenges 50% staffing cut plans
Markwayne Mullin pointed to technology investments as a way for the disaster agency to operate with a smaller workforce, even as a federal judge in San Francisco ruled that DHS "unlawfully ordered” FEMA to cut its staffing by half.
FEMA’s future looks clearer. Disaster aid is still uncertain
The emergency management agency is rebuilding after a year of upheaval, but the Trump administration’s approach to disaster declarations and federal recovery funds is leaving states unsure what support they can count on.
Why a smaller government isn't automatically better
COMMENTARY | Downsizing without a plan is a recipe for failure. History shows that smarter workforce reductions require more than just cuts.
DHS watchdog says Noem-era policy hampered probe into FEMA employees skipping homes with Trump signs
Auditors found that the Federal Emergency Management Agency also did not provide consistent Hatch Act training to employees.
Trump taps former FEMA official ousted after defending agency
Cameron Hamilton, who was removed after publicly opposing efforts to eliminate FEMA, would return to lead the agency as the administration pushes states to take on a larger disaster response role.
FEMA should employ fewer staff and offer aid to fewer individuals, Trump’s council recommends
The changes come after the president proposed an overhaul, or outright elimination, of the disaster response agency.
Former FEMA administrator reflects on tumultuous time for ‘people-first’ agency
Deanne Criswell, who led the agency under former President Joe Biden, said critics who want to shift responsibility to states and localities use a “lazy way” to characterize its mission.
5 guardrails federal agencies need before the next emergency loan program
COMMENTARY | Congress can authorize speed, but accountable structures must be in place before the next emergency loan program begins.
Turmoil at FEMA adds to the revolt against Kristi Noem
The homeland security secretary has all but halted the agency’s disaster spending.
‘Where is this so-called efficiency?’ Current and former FEMA employees protest Trump overhauls to disaster agency
Federal Emergency Management Agency employees who publicly signed a letter criticizing the Trump administration’s changes to the agency have been on administrative leave since August.
Disparities emerge in FEMA disaster assistance after Hurricane Helene
An analysis of FEMA housing assistance following Hurricane Helene reveals that higher-income households in North Carolina's rural counties received more aid, raising concerns about equity in disaster relief distribution.
GAO: Trump violated law for sixth time in withholding FEMA funds
A new Government Accountability Office report says the Trump administration delayed funding for federal programs that provide food, shelter, and temporary housing, raising questions about compliance with federal law and the timing of aid.
Featured eBooks
Why FEMA is essential in disasters, and how losing independent agency status hurt its ability to function
Decades of disaster response history help explain how changes to FEMA’s structure have affected its ability to manage emergencies.
Trump's pick to lead NOAA pledges to restaff weather service
Nominee says he would work to undo the workforce cuts from the last few months, though the process could take time.
Schumer requests probe into impact of staffing cuts on Texas flood response
The Trump administration denies the hundreds of reductions to the National Weather Service workforce had any effect on preparations.
States fear critical funding from FEMA may be drying up
Many states rely on the federal government for the vast majority of their emergency management funding. Now, local leaders are looking for clues about the money — and the future of FEMA itself.
Cuts to FEMA and other agencies will lead to slow disaster response, former administrator says
“It just slows down the entire response and delays the recovery process from starting,” the previous FEMA chief said.
Trump’s plan to overhaul disaster agency once hurricane season is over prompts Democratic concerns
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already experienced staffing cuts and leadership changes ahead of an “above-normal” hurricane season.
Federal agencies respond to LA fires amid budget crunch
Federal firefighters are deploying to urban neighborhoods while some support positions are not being filled.
'It's heartbreaking:' Federal personnel resume full hurricane response efforts after threats force a partial pause
Misinformation has caused "real-world obstacles" for FEMA responders as the agency looks to protect its workforce.
FEMA vows readiness as it prepares responses to concurrent crises
The emergency management agency has all the staff it needs for Helene and Milton work, administrator says.
