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FEMA has put a hold on at least 30 employees after they raised concerns that spending limits, cuts in staffing, and leadership gaps were impacting the agency’s disaster response capabilities. These employees were informed via emails that they were placed on administrative leave, as revealed by The New York Times, which examined copies of these emails. FEMA has yet to reply to an inquiry from The Verge for confirmation regarding the suspensions or a response to the claims made in the letter.
In light of the deadly July 4th flooding in Kerrville, Texas, the letter states, “FEMA’s mission to provide crucial support was impeded by leadership who not only question the agency’s necessity but prioritize uninformed cost-cutting over serving the American people and the communities our oath compels us to serve.”
This action is not unprecedented, as the Trump administration has previously taken measures against federal employees who raised issues about their agency’s capacity to fulfill its duties. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency placed 144 employees on administrative leave after they wrote a letter to EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, expressing concerns that “EPA under your leadership will not protect communities from hazardous chemicals and unsafe drinking water, but rather will increase risks to public health and safety.”
