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FEMA’s Budget Crisis Worsens
As the 2025 hurricane season kicks off, FEMA is facing a serious money problem. Its Disaster Relief Fund is almost empty, with under $5 billion left, after major damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 cost more than $120 billion. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has warned that FEMA doesn’t have enough money to get through this season. Without more funding, the agency’s ability to help during new disasters is at risk. These concerns are based on real numbers from recent storm seasons.
Worker Shortages Weaken FEMA Response
FEMA is also dealing with a big loss of staff. Since early 2025, it has lost around one-third of its full-time workers. At one point, only 9% of employees were available to respond to emergencies, making it nearly impossible to handle more than one disaster at a time. Because of the staffing gap, FEMA even had to cancel in-person emergency training for local officials. This is a serious blow to readiness just as hurricane threats increase.
Sudden Leadership Shifts Add Instability
Leadership changes at FEMA are making things worse. In May 2025, acting FEMA Director Cameron Hamilton was removed after he spoke out against plans to break up the agency. He was replaced by David Richardson, a political figure with little experience in emergency management. Some of his public comments raised red flags, especially among FEMA staff and disaster experts. The change in leadership adds more confusion during a time when stability is crucial.
States Face Pressure to Do More
The federal government is shifting more disaster responsibilities to the states, but many aren’t ready. Smaller states like North Dakota and Wyoming depend heavily on FEMA and don’t have the systems or money to handle big disasters alone. This strategy is putting more pressure on states at a time when extreme weather is becoming more common. Experts worry this could lead to slower and weaker responses to emergencies.
Forecasters Expect a Busy Season
NOAA predicts an active 2025 Atlantic hurricane season with 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. This increase is linked to warmer ocean waters and other conditions that make storms stronger. With FEMA already stretched thin, the forecast is raising alarms. Many wonder how the agency will respond if multiple big storms hit back-to-back.
