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A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson has characterized comments attributed to David RRichardson, acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as a "joke."

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson has characterized comments attributed to David RRichardson, acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as a "joke."

Richardson, it was reported Monday, had told staff during a briefing that he was unaware the United States has a hurricane season.

Richardson, it was reported Monday, had told staff during a briefing that he was unaware the United States has a hurricane season.

During the briefing, Richardson also announced that FEMA would not release an updated disaster response plan for this hurricane season despite previously promising one by May 23, citing the Trump administration's FEMA Review Council.

During the briefing, Richardson also announced that FEMA would not release an updated disaster response plan for this hurricane season despite previously promising one by May 23, citing the Trump administration's FEMA Review Council.

In a social media post, DHS called the report about the lack of an updated disaster plan as "FAKE NEWS" and also reacted to the report about Richardson not knowing about hurricane season by writing that despite "meanspirited (sic) attempts to falsely frame a joke as policy" FEMA is "laser focused" on responding to any upcoming storms.

In a social media post, DHS called the report about the lack of an updated disaster plan as  "FAKE NEWS" and also reacted to the report about Richardson not knowing about hurricane season by writing that despite "meanspirited (sic) attempts to falsely frame a joke as policy" FEMA is "laser focused" on responding to any upcoming storms.

Democratic lawmakers criticized Richardson's comments, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York posting on social media that he was "unaware of why he hasn't been fired yet."

Democratic lawmakers criticized Richardson's comments, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York posting on social media that he was "unaware of why he hasn't been fired yet."

These reports and DHS's response come after approximately 2,000 full-time FEMA staff, representing one-third of the agency's total workforce, have been terminated or voluntarily left since the Trump administration began in January.

Daily Mail

These reports and DHS's response come after approximately 2,000 full-time FEMA staff, representing one-third of the agency's total workforce, have been terminated or voluntarily left since the Trump administration began in January.

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The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Richardson's comments were made as a joke and that FEMA is prepared for hurricane season, which officially began Sunday and runs through November.</span

The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Richardson's comments were made as a joke and that FEMA is prepared for hurricane season, which officially began Sunday and runs through November.

Richardson announced during the briefing that FEMA would not release an updated disaster response plan for this hurricane season despite previously promising one by May 23, citing the Trump administration's FEMA Review Council.</span

Richardson announced during the briefing that FEMA would not release an updated disaster response plan for this hurricane season despite previously promising one by May 23, citing the Trump administration's FEMA Review Council.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 60% chance of above-normal hurricane activity this year, with six to 10 hurricanes expected, three to five of which could be major storms.</span

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 60% chance of above-normal hurricane activity this year, with six to 10 hurricanes expected, three to five of which could be major storms.

Approximately 2,000 full-time FEMA staff, representing one-third of the agency's total workforce, have been terminated or voluntarily left since the Trump administration began in January.</span

Daily Mail #4580

Approximately 2,000 full-time FEMA staff, representing one-third of the agency's total workforce, have been terminated or voluntarily left since the Trump administration began in January.

Democratic lawmakers criticized Richardson's comments, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posting on social media that he was "unaware of why he hasn't been fired yet".</span

Democratic lawmakers criticized Richardson's comments, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posting on social media that he was "unaware of why he hasn't been fired yet".

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.

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.

FEMA Chief Says He Was Unaware of Hurricane Season

Hurricanes and tropical storms

Weather

United States of America

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.

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.

Trump's new head of FEMA makes startling revelation as hurricane season approaches

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.

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.

There's a 50% chance that there will be 10.7 North Atlantic hurricanes in 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

There's a 50% chance that there will be 10.7 North Atlantic hurricanes in 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

DHS: FEMA Chief's Hurricane Season Comment was 'Joke'

DHS: FEMA Chief's SaysHurricane HeSeason WasComment Unawarewas of Hurricane Season'Joke'

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