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US disaster agency suspends workers who criticised Trump cuts, reports say

August 27, 2025

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reportedly suspended more than 20 staff members who signed an open letter criticizing the agency's direction under President Trump's administration. The letter, signed by 191 FEMA employees (most anonymously), condemned funding and workforce cuts, lack of permanent leadership, and alleged political interference while warning that another disaster like Hurricane Katrina could occur. The suspended employees were placed on paid administrative leave without explanation, though officials claim the action is "not intended to be punitive.

Who is affected

  • More than 20 FEMA employees who were suspended after signing the open letter
  • The 191 FEMA employees who signed the criticism letter (majority remaining anonymous)
  • FEMA's overall workforce, which has reportedly lost about a third of its employees since the start of the year
  • Americans potentially impacted by natural disasters, including victims of recent Texas flooding
  • The 27 summer camp attendees and other victims who died in July's Texas flooding

What action is being taken

  • FEMA is placing staff who criticized the agency on administrative leave with continued pay and benefits
  • FEMA officials are defending the agency's work and reforms under Trump, claiming it was previously "bogged down by red tape"
  • Trump administration is implementing cuts to FEMA's funding and workforce
  • FEMA is responding to ongoing natural disasters including recent Texas floods and Los Angeles wildfires
  • The North Atlantic hurricane season is currently underway with expectations of increased activity

Why it matters

  • The suspensions raise concerns about FEMA's operational capacity during an active disaster season
  • The letter warns that another catastrophe like Hurricane Katrina (which claimed over 1,800 lives) could occur due to agency issues
  • Warmer sea temperatures linked to climate change are expected to make the current hurricane season busier than usual
  • Suspended staff reportedly includes personnel involved in the federal response to July's deadly Texas flooding
  • The controversy highlights tensions over disaster management approaches as Trump has suggested states should lead disaster response

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC