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April 30, 2026
FEMA Reinstates Whistleblowers and Reverses Noem's Policies Amid Ongoing Challenges
- FEMA has reinstated 14 employees who criticized the Trump administration's cuts after eight months on paid leave, marking a significant turnaround under new Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
- Mullin has reversed a $100,000 expenditure approval policy and released over $1 billion in backlogged grants, aiming to stabilize FEMA ahead of the 2026 hurricane season.
- Despite these changes, experts warn that FEMA is still underfunded and understaffed, raising concerns about its readiness for upcoming disasters.
6 Sources
- FEMA is welcoming back 15 whistleblowers placed on leave during Kristi Noem's tenureApr 30, 2026 at 6:34 PM · NBC
- FEMA reinstates whistleblowers as Trump administration reverses Noem’s policiesApr 30, 2026 at 7:13 PM · CNN
- Staff who signed 'Katrina Declaration' critical of Trump admin are reinstated at FEMAApr 30, 2026 at 8:40 PM · The Hill
- FEMA workers who sounded alarm over nation's disaster preparedness reinstatedApr 30, 2026 at 9:56 PM · ABC News
- US FEMA reinstates employees it placed on leave after letter of dissentApr 30, 2026 at 11:52 PM · Reuters
- Fema employees who criticized Trump cuts reinstated after months on leaveMay 1, 2026 at 1:01 AM · The Guardian