FEMA Chief ‘Jokingly’ Said He’s Unaware that the U.S. Has a Hurricane Season

Source: YouTube

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is under scrutiny after the agency’s leadership committed an unfortunate gaffe on the job. On Monday, acting FEMA chief David Richardson reportedly told staff during an internal meeting that he was unaware that the United States goes through hurricane season every year. Later, however, the Department of Homeland Security clarified that Richardson was joking when he said he didn’t know about it. Staff present at the meeting weren’t sure if he meant it literally.

FEMA Chief Remarks Under Fire

The FEMA chief’s remark drew criticism from lawmakers and emergency management professionals. Critics argue that a lack of experience is only part of the issue. They now question whether FEMA, under Richardson’s leadership, can meet the country’s disaster response needs. The agency is already operating with a reduced workforce, and public confidence continues to decline.

Before joining FEMA in May, Richardson worked for the Department of Homeland Security’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps. However, Richardson has no experience in emergency management. His appointment followed the dismissal of former FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton, who was removed after defending FEMA’s continued importance during a congressional hearing.

Richardson opened his first staff meeting by warning employees not to obstruct his plans. He said, “I will run right over you,” according to those who attended. Since then, morale has dropped. Staff described the current environment as tense, with few clear directives and little confidence in the agency’s disaster planning.

FEMA’s Reduced Capacity and No New Plans

Richardson told employees this week that FEMA would rely on last year’s disaster plan, despite having previously promised a new approach. That decision came as a surprise to many, especially given the agency’s diminished staffing levels. FEMA has lost about 25% of its full-time personnel over the last four years. It has also lost one-fifth of its coordinating officers, the staff responsible for leading disaster operations in the field.

The staff cuts began under the Trump administration. Most were driven by the Department of Government Efficiency, which pushed to shrink the federal workforce. That department, previously led by Elon Musk, had targeted FEMA as part of a broader plan to transfer responsibility for disaster response to individual states.

This year, several states have already reported difficulty securing FEMA assistance. In February, Texas received no federal support for its storm preparation efforts. In April, Mississippi’s request for help with flood planning was denied. FEMA said at the time that states should manage their local emergency responses whenever possible.

Federal Government Sees A Shift Toward State-Led Response

The Trump administration has signaled its desire to eliminate FEMA or reduce it to a minimal advisory role. President Trump has criticized the agency as slow and ineffective. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has also called for FEMA’s eventual replacement by state-run systems. Still, DHS continues to rely on FEMA during major weather events, as no replacement framework exists.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts a higher-than-normal number of storms this year. As many as ten hurricanes are expected, with three to five classified as major. Emergency managers across the country are preparing for the season with limited federal support and unclear coordination.

Following news of Richardson’s remark, several lawmakers called for his removal. Senator Chuck Schumer asked why Richardson had not been fired. Representative Bennie Thompson said a person unaware of hurricane season is not qualified to run FEMA.

To date, Richardson has not apologized or clarified the comment directly. FEMA has not updated its disaster strategy, issued a new operations plan, or made public statements about improving agency readiness. For communities across the country, especially those in hurricane zones, the silence has become part of the concern.

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