David Richardson, the new head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) since early May, reportedly told staff during a briefing that he was unaware the US has a hurricane season, which officially began on Sunday. While a spokesperson claimed it was a joke, the remark, coupled with his lack of disaster response experience and recent staff cuts/training reductions, has fueled widespread concern among FEMA staff about the agency's preparedness for an above-normal hurricane season. Richardson also reversed a previous promise to issue a new disaster plan, citing a review council created by Donald Trump.
Fema chief tells staff he did not know US has hurricane season
United States
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️David Richardson, the new head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) since early May, reportedly told staff during a briefing that he was unaware the US has a hurricane season, which officially began on Sunday. While a spokesperson claimed it was a joke, the remark, coupled with his lack of disaster response experience and recent staff cuts/training reductions, has fueled widespread concern among FEMA staff about the agency's preparedness for an above-normal hurricane season. Richardson also reversed a previous promise to issue a new disaster plan, citing a review council created by Donald Trump.
Trending- 1 January (unspecified year, likely 2025): Start of the Trump administration, leading to staff terminations and voluntary departures at FEMA.
- 2 Early May (2025): David Richardson appointed FEMA chief; his predecessor, Cameron Hamilton, was fired.
- 3 May 15 (2025): Richardson held a staff town hall, promising a new disaster plan by May 23.
- 4 Last week (late May 2025): NOAA forecast an above-normal hurricane season, with as many as 10 hurricanes.
- 5 Sunday (June 1, 2025): The US hurricane season officially began.
- 6 Monday (June 2, 2025): Richardson made the controversial remark during a briefing and stated no new disaster plan would be issued.
- Confusion and concern among FEMA staff regarding leadership's understanding of agency operations.
- Reignited worries about FEMA's preparedness for the upcoming hurricane season.
- Potential impact on the agency's ability to effectively respond to disasters.
What: David Richardson, the new FEMA chief, reportedly stated during a briefing that he was unaware the US has a hurricane season, causing confusion and concern among agency staff.
When: Monday (June 2, 2025) during a daily all-hands meeting. The US hurricane season officially began on Sunday (June 1, 2025). Richardson assumed leadership in early May.
Where: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), United States.
Why: Richardson's comment, whether literal or a joke, highlights concerns about his lack of disaster response experience and the agency's overall preparedness amidst recent staff cuts and reduced training, especially with an above-normal hurricane season forecast.
How: Richardson made the remark during an internal briefing. He also announced a reversal of his previous commitment to issue a new disaster plan, citing the FEMA review council.