All articles tagged with #fema
Originally Published 7 days ago — by The Guardian
Experts warn that under Trump's leadership, the US has experienced significant reductions in disaster preparedness and response capabilities, including budget cuts and staffing reductions at FEMA and NOAA, leaving the country more vulnerable to natural disasters amid escalating climate crises.
Originally Published 10 days ago — by CNN
The Trump administration is significantly reducing FEMA's disaster response staff, particularly targeting the CORE teams, as part of a broader effort to downsize the agency and shift disaster management responsibilities to states, raising concerns about preparedness and federal support during emergencies.
Originally Published 12 days ago — by Homeland Security (.gov)
FEMA awarded $250 million to 11 states and the National Capital Region to enhance drone detection and mitigation capabilities ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking the fastest non-disaster grant execution in FEMA history, as part of a broader initiative to protect mass gatherings from hostile drone threats.
Originally Published 16 days ago — by Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reinstate disaster preparedness grants, including funding for microgrid projects in Washington and Oregon, after they were abruptly halted in 2025. These grants, part of FEMA's BRIC program, aim to help communities prepare for disasters like wildfires and earthquakes, and their reinstatement is seen as crucial for rural hospitals and communities' resilience. The decision has brought hope to project leaders, despite concerns about potential appeals.
Originally Published 20 days ago — by PBS
Colorado Governor Jared Polis criticized President Trump for denying disaster declarations after wildfires and flooding, accusing him of playing political games, while the White House defended the decisions as careful and non-politicized.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by The Guardian
The first half of 2025 was the most costly on record for US climate-related disasters, totaling $101 billion, driven mainly by wildfires in Los Angeles and severe storms, highlighting the increasing impact of climate change and the effects of policy changes on disaster response capabilities.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by PBS
A potential government shutdown could impact various public services, with agencies like FEMA, CDC, NIH, and FDA experiencing furloughs or delays, while essential functions such as homeland security and Medicare would continue, though some areas like air traffic control and flood insurance could face disruptions.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Politico
Cameron Hamilton, the former FEMA chief appointed by Trump, recounts a hostile relationship with DHS officials, disagreements over FEMA's future, and his subsequent firing after contradicting Trump and Noem on FEMA's abolition, highlighting internal conflicts and administrative challenges within the agency during Trump's presidency.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by CNN
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has dismissed 24 FEMA IT employees, including top leaders, due to security lapses that exposed vulnerabilities in FEMA's network, with allegations of neglecting protocols and obstructing investigations. The firings follow a cybersecurity review that uncovered major flaws, and reflect ongoing tensions between DHS and FEMA leadership over security and management issues.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Homeland Security (.gov)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem fired 24 FEMA IT employees after discovering severe security failures that exposed the agency to cyber threats, including lack of basic security protocols and resistance to fixing vulnerabilities, despite significant taxpayer investment.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by CBS News
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi town of Biloxi is still waiting on FEMA funding to complete essential rebuilding projects, including stormwater upgrades and pier reconstruction, facing ongoing delays and funding disputes. Despite federal assistance, the city has not received the full $34 million owed for past projects, and FEMA's response has been criticized as slow and bureaucratic. The situation highlights broader challenges in disaster recovery efforts and FEMA's ongoing reforms.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by NBC News
At least 21 FEMA employees have been placed on leave after signing an open letter criticizing the Trump administration's disaster preparedness and response, citing issues like workforce cuts and interference with climate science, with the employees' bravery being highlighted amid alleged retaliation.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by ABC News
FEMA employees who signed a critical letter to Congress about the Trump administration's changes at the agency have been placed on administrative leave, highlighting tensions over recent reforms and leadership qualifications at FEMA amid concerns about disaster response effectiveness.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by BBC
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has suspended over 20 employees who criticized the agency's direction under President Trump, particularly regarding budget cuts and interference, amid ongoing scrutiny of disaster preparedness and response.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by NPR
Some FEMA employees who signed a dissent letter criticizing recent agency cuts and policies have been placed on indefinite administrative leave, with FEMA stating the action is not punitive. The letter expressed concerns over reduced disaster response capacity and policy decisions, with at least two employees confirmed to be on leave, while the broader implications for other signatories remain unclear.