The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has reportedly suspended a number of staff who criticized the agency's direction under US President Donald Trump. The staff are said to have been among those who recently signed an open letter that castigated Trump officials over cuts and alleged interference, warning that another 'national catastrophe' akin to Hurricane Katrina was possible. More than 20 employees were told on Tuesday that they had been put on administrative leave, according to sources who spoke to the BBC's US partner, CBS News.
A Fema spokesperson mentioned that the agency's obligation was to disaster survivors, not to protecting broken systems. The spokesperson further stated, It is not surprising that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform.
After recent deadly flooding in Texas, Fema's preparedness came under scrutiny. Trump has called for an overhaul of the agency, suggesting it could be disbanded. The open letter, signed by 191 Fema employees, reflected on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which had claimed over 1,800 lives, and criticized past funding cuts and management failures.
Reports suggest that hundreds of employees, about a third of Fema's workforce, have resigned or left their positions this year. In response to the letter, a Fema official defended the agency's recent reforms, maintaining a commitment to provide effective service to the American people.
As the agency faces increased challenges due to climate change and intensified natural disasters, the row over the suspensions raises questions about Fema’s capability in handling future emergencies.
A Fema spokesperson mentioned that the agency's obligation was to disaster survivors, not to protecting broken systems. The spokesperson further stated, It is not surprising that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform.
After recent deadly flooding in Texas, Fema's preparedness came under scrutiny. Trump has called for an overhaul of the agency, suggesting it could be disbanded. The open letter, signed by 191 Fema employees, reflected on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which had claimed over 1,800 lives, and criticized past funding cuts and management failures.
Reports suggest that hundreds of employees, about a third of Fema's workforce, have resigned or left their positions this year. In response to the letter, a Fema official defended the agency's recent reforms, maintaining a commitment to provide effective service to the American people.
As the agency faces increased challenges due to climate change and intensified natural disasters, the row over the suspensions raises questions about Fema’s capability in handling future emergencies.
