The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is facing intense scrutiny following allegations made by whistleblowers regarding its response to Hurricane Helene. U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has revealed that he has been in contact with various whistleblowers who have reported serious management failures within the agency.
In a letter sent to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Gaetz pointed to widespread issues, stating, “My office has been in contact with whistleblowers in numerous emergency-management functions at the federal, state, and local levels.” He accused FEMA of wasting taxpayer money and failing to provide timely deployment orders for emergency responders. Reports have indicated that many service members from the Department of Defense have been waiting in North Carolina without instructions from FEMA.
The letter also highlighted concerns over FEMA withholding pre-disaster aid, which has aggravated the situation on the ground. “FEMA pre-disaster aid was withheld, exacerbating the emergency,” Gaetz wrote, signaling a lack of urgency in the agency’s response.
Whistleblowers have also claimed that FEMA employees have been housed in hotels instead of assisting disaster victims.
Mayorkas recently acknowledged the financial difficulties facing FEMA, indicating that the agency lacks sufficient funds to last through the hurricane season. “We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have,” he stated, confirming worries about the agency’s financial situation.
Critics have suggested that FEMA’s funding issues stem from previous allocations directed toward supporting illegal immigrants. FEMA has reportedly spent millions on the Shelter and Services Program, which provides humanitarian aid to noncitizens, raising concerns about the agency’s priorities.
Former President Donald Trump voiced similar frustrations during a rally, criticizing the allocation of resources away from disaster relief. “If you want to see how sick and distorted Kamala Harris’ priorities are, just consider FEMA,” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing concerns surrounding FEMA’s effectiveness in handling emergencies.
