FEMA firings target climate and equity staff
The Trump administration has dismissed hundreds of Federal Emergency Management Agency employees and is now compiling a list of staff involved in climate change, equity, and environmental justice programs, raising concerns about the agency’s disaster response capacity.
Thomas Frank reports for E&E News.
In short:
- FEMA has fired more than 200 employees, with Homeland Security cutting another 200, citing wasteful spending.
- An internal email instructs FEMA leadership to identify all staff involved in climate, diversity, and equity initiatives, potentially affecting most of the agency.
- Critics warn the cuts could weaken FEMA’s ability to respond to disasters, especially as climate-related crises increase.
Key quote:
“It’s weird to spend nearly 15 years dedicated to public service, a decade of which I spent working specifically in the flood insurance space, and then get terminated for being a ‘new’ employee.”
— Christopher Page, former FEMA attorney
Why this matters:
FEMA plays a key role in disaster preparedness and response, but mass firings could leave the agency understaffed as extreme weather events intensify. Climate change has made hurricanes, floods, and wildfires more destructive, increasing the need for federal support. The focus on cutting staff tied to climate and equity initiatives signals a shift in priorities that could affect long-term resilience efforts. Critics argue that targeting experienced personnel undermines efficiency rather than improving it.
Related: Trump administration considers overhauling FEMA’s role in disaster relief
