Trump’s plan to halve FEMA workforce illegal, judge rules
A federal judge ruled Friday that the Trump administration violated the law when it moved to cut the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s workforce. In her order, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston found that the Department of Homeland Security improperly overrode FEMA’s authority in pursuing the personnel reductions, a decision announced as the country entered hurricane season.
Why It Matters
The ruling blocks a major personnel reduction for FEMA at a time when the agency's readiness is particularly important because it coincides with America's hurricane season. It also clarifies limits on DHS authority over FEMA personnel decisions.
Key Facts
- ruling: Federal judge found the administration's attempt to cut FEMA workforce unlawful
- judge: U.S. District Judge Susan Illston
- targeted-agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- action-attempted: Plan to halve FEMA's workforce
- department-accused: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 'unlawfully usurped' FEMA's authority
A federal judge concluded Friday that the Trump administration violated the law when it sought to reduce the size of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s workforce. The plan in question would have cut FEMA staffing roughly in half, prompting judicial review of whether the administration followed legal procedures.
In her written order, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston found that the Department of Homeland Security had improperly interfered with FEMA’s authority over its personnel decisions. Judge Illston said DHS had "unlawfully usurped" FEMA’s power to make the contested staffing changes.
The decision came at the start of the nation’s hurricane season, a timing noted in coverage of the case. Observers have pointed to the overlap between the ruling and seasonal storm risks as a key reason the matter drew public attention.
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Original source: The Hill