Several employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) took leave on Tuesday after signing an open letter criticizing the agency’s leadership. This action was supported by a group that helped publicize the letter.
Over 180 current and former FEMA staff members have signed letters expressing concerns about the Trump administration, which they believe undermines the effectiveness of disaster response agencies and hampers their ability to fulfill their mission.
The group mentioned that 36 staff members signed publicly, while others chose to remain anonymous.
The letter was shared online for the group’s rally and addressed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council, which the Trump administration uses to explore potential reforms. It was also submitted to various congressional committees.
By Wednesday morning, the group’s website posted an update detailing the administration’s reaction to the letter.
“Just 24 hours after receiving the declaration from courageous FEMA workers, DHS Chief of Staff Christi Noem promptly approved immediate suspensions for those who signed publicly,” the group reported.
The group expressed solidarity with the “brave” FEMA employees who attached their names to the letter.
“A courageous group of FEMA staff articulated their concerns regarding the administration’s troubling actions that could lead to further failures,” the statement read.
“We support these brave civil servants who have shown courage in advocating for FEMA’s integrity and its mission to respond effectively to emergencies in the U.S.”
Oka reached out to FEMA for comment.
The letter specifically criticized a management policy requiring Homeland Security Secretary Christi Noem to personally review and approve all contracts, grants, and mission assignments over $100,000.
They argued this policy “diminishes FEMA’s authorities and capabilities and slows down our mission.”
“The consequences of this manual review became painfully evident when mission allocations were delayed for up to 72 hours during the July 2025 floods in Carville, Texas. This resulted in the resignation of FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Service chief, who cited these delays,” the staff wrote in their initial letter.
They also pointed out the lack of an approved administrator in Congress guiding the assembly, stating that the current leader lacks the required qualifications.
The letter has raised concerns about potential complete disbandment of certain institutions under the Trump administration, generally advocating for a reduced role while demanding more accountability.
Current and former staff emphasized that such policies exacerbate the situation. “These program reductions prioritize cost savings but fail to support State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial partners effectively,” they said.
