A FEMA Insider Says Morale Has Never Been Lower at the Embattled Agency
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The New Yorker Radio Hour is a co-production of WNYC and The New Yorker. Welcome to the New Yorker Radio Hour. I'm Adam Howard. We're confronted with so many scandals when it comes to the federal government under the second Trump administration that many controversies which would normally dominate the headlines have largely flown under the radar. Take, for instance, the situation at FEMA.
Yes, there is a situation at FEMA. The oft criticized but crucial agency tasked with helping states respond to all manner of natural disasters has endured tremendous internal strife over leadership, and reports have suggested that its mission has been compromised by partisan decision making. President Trump, who is the sole arbiter of who ultimately gets FEMA relief, has rejected aid for Democratic led states at the highest rate in the nearly 50 year history of the agency. He's approved only 23% of Democratic requests, while approving 89% of those coming from Republicans. This has led to accusations of emergency aid being used as a political cudgel, and it's had a chilling effect on some of the rank and file that work at the agency.
I spoke to a longtime employee of FEMA about what's going on behind the scenes, and whether it could have a negative impact on the agency's ability to respond to the next inevitable crisis. Since they are currently still actively working in the federal government, they have asked us to shield their identity, so we have digitally regenerated their voice for this interview. Now, you've worked at FEMA for over a decade spanning four different administrations, including the current one, is that right? That's correct. Um, what would you say morale is like there right now?
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