Some workers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) who expressed disagreement publicly earlier this week were placed on administrative leave on Tuesday evening, as per documents examined by the Associated Press. Over 180 current and former FEMA employees signed a letter criticizing recent cuts to agency personnel and programs, cautioning that FEMA’s ability to respond to a major disaster was severely reduced. Thirty-five individuals signed openly, while 141 chose to remain anonymous due to concerns of reprisal. At least two signatories were informed on Tuesday evening that they would be on indefinite paid leave and must confirm their availability daily. The status of other signatories remains unclear.
The decision to place employees on leave was stated not to be disciplinary or punitive. Questions posed to FEMA regarding the number of staff receiving notices and their connection to the opposition letter went unanswered. A non-profit group, Stand Up for Science, condemned the action, calling it illegal and a betrayal of civil servants who blow the whistle.
The letter outlined six objections to current FEMA policies, including limitations on expenditure approval and the reassignment of employees to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have indicated intentions to revamp or eliminate FEMA, alarming experts who fear service and funding gaps. Approximately 2,000 FEMA employees, a third of its workforce, have left this year through various means, with plans to cut $1 billion in grant funding. Trump aims to reduce FEMA spending and distribute funds directly. Disaster response is primarily managed by local and state authorities, with FEMA offering coordination and financial support.
Any changes to FEMA’s structure or funding distribution would necessitate congressional action, including potential amendments to the Stafford Act. In response to the criticisms, FEMA emphasized the administration’s focus on accountability and efficiency, suggesting resistance to change from long-standing bureaucrats. Similar dissent has been observed at other agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, where around 140 staff members were placed on leave for signing an opposition letter.