Hurricane season tests a lean FEMA as staffing shrinks
TL;DR Summary
As the 2026 hurricane season begins, FEMA faces its smallest disaster workforce since 2021, about a 20% drop since Trump took office, plus leadership vacancies and a backlog of state aid requests. Emergency managers warn this could weaken disaster response just as NOAA forecasts several tropical storms, while GAO cautions that staffing cuts could undermine readiness across FEMA and related agencies (EPA and the Army Corps). The administration and agency statements insist the system remains prepared, but critics say reforms are being pursued without strengthening staffing and funding.
- ‘Holding our breath’: Hurricane season is here, and FEMA is shorthanded Politico
- FEMA begins limited hiring campaign after wave of departures Federal News Network
- Top FEMA official Bob Fenton says "we're ready for hurricane season" CBS News
- $1.5 Billion secured for FEMA reimbursements for Florida with TRACK Act FOX 13 Tampa Bay
- Editorial: As hurricane season starts, it’s time to hope for the best but prepare for the worst NOLA.com
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