
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has revealed that he has spoken with several whistleblowers from FEMA who claim that the agency mismanaged its relief efforts. These allegations were shared in a letter sent to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, highlighting critical issues with how FEMA has operated.
“My office has been in contact with whistleblowers in numerous emergency-management functions at the federal, state, and local levels,” Gaetz stated in his letter. He accused FEMA of wasting taxpayer dollars and failing to provide deployment orders to various responders. Many service members from the Department of Defense have reportedly been stationed in North Carolina without clear instructions, raising questions about the agency’s effectiveness.
Additionally, Gaetz noted that FEMA employees have been seen waiting in hotels while on duty instead of assisting those impacted by the hurricane. “FEMA pre-disaster aid was withheld, exacerbating the emergency,” he said, indicating a lack of urgency in the agency’s response to the disaster.
This letter comes just days after Secretary Mayorkas warned that FEMA might not have enough funding to carry it through the remainder of the hurricane season. “FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season,” he stated, confirming the financial struggles faced by the agency.
Critics believe that FEMA’s budget woes stem from previous allocations intended for supporting illegal immigrants rather than disaster relief. In 2023 and 2024, FEMA directed substantial funds to the Shelter and Services Program, which provides assistance to noncitizens.
Former President Donald Trump echoed similar concerns during a rally in Michigan, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris for misallocating FEMA resources. “If you want to see how sick and distorted Kamala Harris’ priorities are, just consider FEMA,” he said, calling attention to the ongoing frustrations surrounding the agency’s handling of relief efforts.