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FEMA Employees Warn of Reversal of Disaster Response Progress

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, a group of employees at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have written to Congress warning that the Trump administration has reversed much of the progress made in disaster response and recovery since the devastating storm. The "Katrina Declaration" signed by 182 FEMA employees, including 36 who attached their names, expresses concern over the administration's plan to shift more responsibility for disaster response to the states and eliminate billions of dollars in funds intended to help communities withstand disasters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trump administration has ignored requirements of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act, including the prohibition on the homeland security secretary from interfering with FEMA's authorities, responsibilities, or functions.
  • Acting FEMA administrator David Richardson has no background in emergency management and has made comments that have unnerved employees, including stating that he did not know the United States had a hurricane season.
  • The administration has eliminated billions of dollars in funds intended to help communities withstand disasters and is now requiring disaster survivors to provide email addresses when applying for FEMA aid.
  • Approximately 2,000 employees have left FEMA since Trump took office, accounting for about one-third of the agency's permanent workforce, including some of the agency's most accomplished leaders.
  • The situation has alarmed FEMA employees, who worry about the impact on the agency's ability to respond to future disasters.
  • The letter was sent to the leaders of several congressional committees and to the FEMA Review Council, which was created by Trump to recommend ways to overhaul the agency.

Statistics:

  • 20 years have passed since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, causing an estimated 1,833 deaths and $161 billion in property damage.
  • 182 FEMA employees signed the "Katrina Declaration," with 36 attaching their names.
  • Approximately 2,000 employees have left FEMA since Trump took office, resulting in a loss of one-third of the agency's permanent workforce.
  • The Trump administration has eliminated billions of dollars in funds intended to help communities withstand disasters.
  • Hurricane season in the United States ends on November 30.

Sources:

  • "After Hurricane Katrina, Congress passed a law to strengthen the nation’s disaster response. FEMA employees say the Trump administration has reversed that progress." (Source: The New York Times)
  • "Our shared commitment to our country, our oaths of office, and our mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters compel us to warn Congress and the American people of the cascading effects of decisions made by the current administration." (Source: FEMA employees' letter to Congress)
  • Daniel Llargués, the acting FEMA press secretary, said in an email that the Trump administration "is committed to ensuring FEMA delivers for the American people" and is working to reduce "red tape, inefficiency and outdated processes" across the agency. (Source: The New York Times)
  • The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act was passed in response to the slow federal response to Hurricane Katrina's devastation in New Orleans. (Source: The New York Times)
  • President Trump installed acting FEMA administrator David Richardson, who has no background in emergency management, and has become directly involved in FEMA operations through Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. (Source: The New York Times)

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