America Enters Hurricane Season With a Weakened FEMA
June 1 marks the official beginning of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but this year the spotlight is not only on storms forming over the ocean. It is also on the growing concerns surrounding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which enters the season after months of internal turmoil, staffing losses, and political controversy.
Multiple investigations and reports published over recent months have raised questions about FEMA’s preparedness following major changes implemented under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and senior adviser Corey Lewandowski. According to CNN and several national outlets, the agency experienced significant delays in disaster funding approvals, contract processing, and operational management during 2025 and early 2026.
One of the most controversial measures involved a policy requiring direct approval from Noem for FEMA expenditures exceeding $100,000. Critics inside and outside the agency argued that the policy slowed emergency operations and created a growing backlog of grants and contracts during a period of increasing climate-related disasters.
Reports indicate that billions of dollars in disaster-related funding remained delayed or unprocessed during that period. Investigations by the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general are now examining how contracts and spending decisions were handled under the previous leadership. Reuters, CNN, and other outlets confirmed that the probe includes scrutiny of management practices tied to FEMA operations.
Staffing Declines and Readiness Concerns
FEMA also experienced notable workforce reductions over the past year. Several reports described departures among senior career officials, hiring freezes, and declining staff morale. Former agency officials publicly warned that these changes could affect disaster response capacity during a major hurricane season.
Former FEMA leaders and emergency management experts have expressed concern that the agency may struggle if multiple large-scale disasters occur simultaneously this summer. Some described the situation as one of the most difficult operational periods FEMA has faced since the years following Hurricane Katrina.
Additional reporting revealed operational problems during recent tornado outbreaks, including delays tied to expired emergency-response technology contracts. One CNN report stated that search-and-rescue teams responding to deadly tornadoes lacked access to a critical tornado-tracking tool after a FEMA contract renewal was delayed.
Political Fallout Inside DHS
The controversy eventually expanded beyond FEMA itself. In March 2026, Kristi Noem was removed from her position as Homeland Security Secretary and replaced by Senator Markwayne Mullin. Since taking office, Mullin has reportedly moved to reverse several disputed policies, including hiring freezes and spending restrictions that critics blamed for slowing disaster-response operations.
The Department of Homeland Security inspector general also launched broader investigations into contract handling and the role played by outside advisers connected to FEMA management decisions. Several media organizations reported that investigators examined records, internal communications, and contractor involvement linked to DHS leadership during Noem’s tenure.
Hurricane Season Begins Under Pressure
NOAA forecasts suggest that the Atlantic basin could once again experience an active hurricane season in 2026. Emergency managers across coastal states are now closely monitoring whether FEMA can quickly stabilize operations before major storms threaten the United States.
While the agency still retains thousands of experienced employees and remains central to the nation’s disaster-response infrastructure, critics argue that rebuilding confidence and operational capacity may take time.
The coming months could become a major test for FEMA leadership, federal disaster preparedness, and the Trump administration’s approach to emergency management.