FEMA Workers Sound Alarm: Are We Headed for Another Katrina?

In a bold move, nearly three dozen FEMA employees have raised serious concerns about the Trump administration's handling of disaster response. They've sent a letter to Congress, warning that the lack of experience among top officials could lead to a repeat of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. These employees point out that key leaders, like Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting FEMA director David Richardson, don't have the background needed to manage major emergencies. They argue that Noem's decision to review all large contracts is slowing down FEMA's ability to act quickly. The letter also highlights recent changes that could weaken FEMA. These include funding cuts, reduced training, and new oversight policies that make it harder for the agency to do its job. The employees are asking Congress to make FEMA an independent agency and protect workers from being fired for political reasons. This isn't just about bureaucracy. It's about real risks. The U. S. is in the middle of hurricane season, and the letter warns that the current administration is undoing reforms put in place after Katrina. Those reforms were designed to prevent another failed response. The letter also mentions that Richardson, the acting FEMA director, surprised many when he admitted he didn't know the U. S. has a hurricane season. This has raised more concerns about the administration's preparedness. The letter comes just before the 20th anniversary of Katrina, a reminder of what can happen when disaster response fails. It's a call to action, urging Congress to step in and ensure FEMA has the resources and leadership it needs.