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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is under fire after its acting administrator, David Richardson, reportedly told staff he was unaware the U.S. has a hurricane season—just as the 2025 season began 12. The remark, made during an internal briefing, has ignited a storm of criticism, with lawmakers and disaster experts questioning Richardson’s qualifications and FEMA’s preparedness for what’s predicted to be an above-average hurricane season 59.
This blog covers:
- Richardson’s controversial comment—was it a joke or a serious lapse?
- FEMA’s turmoil under his leadership: staffing cuts, delayed plans, and reduced training.
- Political backlash: Democrats demand his removal, while DHS defends him.
- What this means for disaster response as hurricane season kicks off.
Who Is David Richardson? FEMA’s Unlikely Leader
Military Background, Zero Disaster Experience
David Richardson, a former Marine artillery officer, was appointed acting FEMA administrator in May 2025 after his predecessor, Cameron Hamilton, was abruptly fired for opposing Trump’s push to dismantle FEMA 311. Before FEMA, Richardson served as Assistant Secretary for DHS’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office—a role he reportedly still holds 69.
A Rocky Start at FEMA
- Threatened staff: In his first meeting, Richardson warned employees, “Don’t get in my way… I will run right over you” 36.
- Scrapped disaster plans: Despite promising a new response strategy by May 23, he backtracked, citing the Trump-created FEMA Review Council 910.
- Staff exodus: Over 2,000 FEMA employees (30% of its workforce) have left since January, including senior leaders 210.
The Hurricane Season Gaffe: Joke or Jaw-Dropping Ignorance?
What Richardson Said
On June 2, 2025, during an all-hands briefing, Richardson remarked, “I didn’t know the U.S. had a hurricane season”—one day after the season officially began 16. Staff were left stunned, unsure if it was a joke or a genuine admission 210.
Backlash and Damage Control
- DHS claims it was a joke: A spokesperson dismissed criticism, saying FEMA is “laser-focused on disaster response” 511.
- Democrats aren’t laughing:
- Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY): “I’m unaware of why he hasn’t been fired yet.” 11
- Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS): “If you don’t know when hurricane season is, you’re not qualified to run FEMA.” 2
- Public alarm: Critics highlight Richardson’s lack of disaster experience and FEMA’s eroded capabilities 910.
FEMA in Crisis: Staff Cuts, Training Cuts, and a Looming Disaster
Shrinking Workforce, Growing Risks
- Staffing crisis: FEMA has lost 10% of its workforce since January, with projections of 30% cuts by year-end 310.
- Reduced training: Hurricane preparedness workshops for state/local agencies were slashed due to travel bans 29.
- NOAA cuts: Funding reductions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have weakened forecasting accuracy 9.
No New Disaster Plan
Richardson shelved FEMA’s 2022–2026 strategic plan, calling it disconnected from the agency’s mission 3. Instead, FEMA will reuse 2024’s response protocols—despite NOAA predicting 6–10 hurricanes, including 3–5 major ones 510.
Political Firestorm: Trump’s War on FEMA
Trump’s Goal: Eliminate FEMA
- Trump has long argued FEMA is “too bureaucratic” and should be replaced by state-led efforts 511.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem once supported abolishing FEMA but now quietly extended contracts for 2,600 short-term disaster workers 210.
Why This Matters Now
With climate change intensifying storms, experts warn that a weakened FEMA could fail millions during disasters 9. Richardson’s leadership—and his hurricane season gaffe—have become symbols of this looming crisis.
Conclusion: A Disaster in the Making?
David Richardson’s hurricane season comment—whether a joke or not—has exposed deep dysfunction at FEMA. With staffing cuts, outdated plans, and a leader underqualified for disaster response, the agency faces its biggest test yet as the 2025 hurricane season begins.
Call to Action
- Demand accountability: Contact lawmakers to audit FEMA’s readiness [Outbound Link: House Homeland Security Committee].
- Prepare yourself: Visit Ready.gov for hurricane safety tips.
- Support NOAA: Advocate for restored funding to improve storm forecasts [Outbound Link: NOAA Hurricane Center].
