"More than 200 employees at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been fired, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA. The move is part of the Trump Administration's sweeping layoffs across government which have led to thousands so far losing their jobs.
The loss is likely to hinder FEMA's ability to respond to disasters, according to several current and former FEMA employees who spoke on the condition of anonymity over concerns of reprisal. FEMA is already understaffed according to government reports, and is facing an increasing number of disasters, spurred by more intense hurricanes, storms and wildfires.
"There's so much work to be done and so many people in need that I met firsthand and to be taken away from that when I'm trained and ready to help hurts," says a FEMA employee who was fired this week and who requested anonymity in case speaking to the media could harm future employment opportunities.
President Trump has criticized FEMA, saying the agency is too bureaucratic and suggesting it potentially could be disbanded. He recently created a council to review FEMA's mission and overhaul the agency."
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