started · updated
FEMA workforce reduction plan ruled unlawful by federal judge
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop a plan to cut its workforce by approximately 50 percent. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston determined that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acted arbitrarily and capriciously by usurping FEMA’s authority over its own personnel decisions.
The ruling found that the administration violated the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2005, which restricts DHS from substantially reducing FEMA’s authorities, responsibilities, or functions. Specifically, the court noted that DHS improperly interfered with the renewal of contracts for the Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery (CORE) employees, who constitute about 40 percent of FEMA’s workforce and serve as primary responders during disasters.
Judge Illston also rebuked officials for deleting Signal messages that could have served as evidence in the lawsuit. While the 50 percent reduction was not fully implemented, the court's decision marks a significant victory for labor groups, including the American Federation of Government Employees, who argued the cuts would undermine disaster response capabilities. A separate ruling regarding legal remedies and penalties is expected next month.
Entities
American Federation of Government Employees · Democracy Forward · Department of Homeland Security · Donald Trump · FEMA · Kristi Noem · Susan Illston
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 25 SOURCES] The ruling violates a federal law passed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from significantly reducing FEMA’s authorities or functions. 24-ore.com · arynews.tv · javanews.al · www.diebewertung.de · internewscast.com · +20 more
- [● 25 SOURCES] Plaintiffs argued that the cuts were not approved by Congress and would undermine FEMA’s core disaster-response mission. arynews.tv · www.diebewertung.de · 24-ore.com · internewscast.com · www.haberaktuel.com · +20 more
- [● 20 SOURCES] A separate ruling regarding legal remedies and penalties will be addressed next month. 24-ore.com · arynews.tv · javanews.al · www.diebewertung.de · internewscast.com · +14 more
- [● 25 SOURCES] The Department of Homeland Security usurped FEMA’s authority over its own personnel and directed the agency to cut thousands of disaster-response jobs. 24-ore.com · arynews.tv · javanews.al · www.diebewertung.de · internewscast.com · +20 more
- [● 20 SOURCES] The decision did not include immediate remedies, penalties, or a permanent block on all future staffing reductions. arynews.tv · www.diebewertung.de · 24-ore.com · internewscast.com · www.haberaktuel.com · +14 more
- [● 25 SOURCES] Judge Susan Illston ruled that the Trump administration violated federal law by ordering FEMA to cut its workforce by approximately 50 percent. 24-ore.com · arynews.tv · javanews.al · www.diebewertung.de · internewscast.com · +20 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Judge Illston rebuked officials for deleting Signal messages that could have been used as evidence in the lawsuit. www.europesays.com · www.haberaktuel.com · localnews8.com