DHS says FEMA head was joking when he said he wasn't aware of hurricane season
NBC5 days
DHS: FEMA Chief's Hurricane Season Comment was 'Joke'
Above: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) building is seen May 15, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Image copyright: Kayla Bartkowski/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Richardson's comment was clearly a joke taken out of context by political opponents trying to undermine FEMA's transformation. The agency is shifting from bloated bureaucracy to an efficient disaster response force that empowers states. Maintaining last year's disaster response plan is different than having no plan, and FEMA remains fully prepared for hurricane season under strong leadership.
Democratic narrative
This alarming incident reveals the dangerous incompetence of Trump's FEMA appointee, who lacks disaster management experience. With hurricane season beginning and the agency gutted of experienced staff, Americans face serious risks from natural disasters under unqualified leadership. Something must be done to rectify this, starting with the firing of Richardson.