FEMA Employees Placed on Leave After Criticizing Trump Administration’s Leadership

A group of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees who spoke out against the Trump administration’s management of the agency have been placed on leave. The move comes after more than 190 current and former FEMA employees signed an open letter on Monday, expressing concerns about the leadership overseeing the nation’s disaster preparation and response efforts. The employees warned that a situation similar to Hurricane Katrina could unfold due to the current state of the agency.

The Washington Post reported that by Wednesday morning, over a dozen FEMA employees who signed the letter had been placed on leave. In response to the criticism, a FEMA spokesperson defended the decision, accusing the employees of resisting necessary reforms. The spokesperson emphasized the agency’s commitment to serving the American people and implementing changes for the better.

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The spokesperson did not disclose the exact number of employees placed on leave. However, they reiterated the agency’s commitment to assisting disaster survivors and expressed confidence in the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem in steering FEMA back to its core mission.

The open letter, published by the nonprofit Stand Up for Science, raised concerns about the qualifications and decisions of FEMA and Department of Homeland Security leaders. It highlighted the importance of experienced staff and effective emergency management practices to prevent failures like those seen during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

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The letter underscored the need for competent leadership and adherence to established disaster response protocols to avoid repeating past mistakes. It also called out the Trump administration for its handling of FEMA and emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities during times of crisis.

President Donald Trump visiting Texas following devastating flashflooding in July 2025.(Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Trump and Secretary Noem have advocated for a shift towards local officials taking charge of disaster response efforts, a departure from the current federal leadership structure. The letter highlighted the importance of empowering local authorities and ensuring swift and effective aid reaches those in need.

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The letter’s signatories emphasized the need for reforms within FEMA to enhance its capabilities and ensure a more efficient and responsive approach to disaster management. They called for transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on safeguarding communities from the devastating impact of natural disasters.

FEMA, now led by David Richardson, faces ongoing challenges in addressing the concerns raised by its employees and external stakeholders. The agency continues to navigate the complex landscape of disaster preparedness and response, with a renewed emphasis on serving the American people with integrity and effectiveness.