US disaster agency suspends workers who criticised Trump cuts, reports say

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suspended more than 20 employees on Tuesday after they signed an open letter criticizing the Trump administration’s budget cuts and management reforms, which they warned could lead to another disaster on the scale of Hurricane Katrina. The suspensions occurred on August 26, 2025, with employees receiving emails placing them on paid administrative leave effective immediately. The move was described as not disciplinary or punitive, but they are barred from work duties while continuing to receive pay and benefits. The open letter, known as the “Katrina Declaration,” was signed by 191 current and former FEMA employees, with 35 attaching their names publicly. It expressed concerns over funding reductions, political interference, and the censorship of climate science within the agency, arguing that these changes undo post-Katrina reforms. Published on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the letter highlighted how that 2005 disaster exposed flaws in disaster response and called for protections against interference and an end to politically motivated actions. FEMA responded by defending the suspensions, stating that the agency is focused on reform and efficiency. A spokesperson accused the signatories of being bureaucrats invested in the status quo and forgetting their duty to the American people, emphasizing that their obligation is to survivors, not broken systems. This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of US disaster preparedness, following deadly flooding in Texas in July that killed scores, including camp attendees. FEMA’s acting administrator had previously defended the response as a model, but critics point to delays and inadequate resources. President Trump has advocated for overhauling FEMA, suggesting earlier this year that it might be eliminated or its responsibilities shifted to state governments. Since January, about a third of FEMA’s workforce has departed due to firings and resignations, raising concerns about capacity during peak disaster seasons. The suspensions occur as the North Atlantic hurricane season is underway, with expectations of increased activity due to warmer sea temperatures from climate change. Experts warn that reduced agency capacity could hamper responses to future disasters, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. Moving forward, the situation may prompt congressional inquiries or further actions from the Department of Homeland Security, as the debate over the balance between reform and readiness continues to unfold.