Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has launched a vigorous defense of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) while criticizing a letter from over 190 former and current employees. This letter claims that the Trump administration’s actions have dismantled essential FEMA programs. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Noem responded directly, saying, “I am not surprised that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform.” Noem argues that these criticisms stem from a culture of waste that has burdened the agency for years.

In her remarks, Noem emphasized a commitment to streamline FEMA, stating, “I refuse to accept that FEMA red tape should stand between an American citizen suffering and the aid they desperately need.” Her criticism aligns with an ongoing push for reform that she believes will transform FEMA into an agency that effectively responds to emergencies.

The open letter from FEMA employees highlights issues surrounding Hurricane Katrina, pointing to unpreparedness as a factor that worsened the crisis. The signees argue that under current leadership, the agency has hindered the execution of its mission while dismissing knowledgeable staff. Noem, however, sees these arguments as a remnant of ineffective practices that have continued under the Biden administration. She claimed, “The Biden administration spent hundreds of millions of dollars resettling illegal aliens in our country on American taxpayers’ dime,” asserting that this neglect left FEMA struggling to complete its essential functions.

President Trump has long criticized FEMA’s performance, calling the agency “extremely expensive” and asserting that state governors should be more responsible for disaster management. This local approach is echoed in Noem’s vision for FEMA, suggesting that state and local leadership should play a central role. “They’re supposed to fix those problems, and it’s much more local,” Trump stated, hinting at a need for a more autonomous system.

Despite the partisan tensions, some Democratic officials have acknowledged improvements in FEMA’s operations under Trump and Noem. Kentucky’s Democratic Governor Andy Beshear pointed out, “Trump’s FEMA on the ground has done a good job in Kentucky,” indicating that effective management can transcend political lines when it comes to disaster response.

Noem remains resolute in her efforts to reform FEMA. She stated, “We don’t want to just fix a broken system, we want to build something better.” Her belief is that these changes will eliminate the bureaucratic inefficiencies that have plagued the agency, with a focus on effective disaster response rather than administrative delays.

Furthermore, an official from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) hinted at the broader issue within FEMA, explaining that many career bureaucrats have relied on support contracts instead of taking direct action. “They hardly did anything themselves,” the official noted, suggesting that these practices have contributed to the agency’s struggles during crises. He continued, “No wonder they have the time to write letters to the Hill – they certainly weren’t spending their time working.”

Noem’s pursuit of reform and her stance against the existing bureaucratic culture reflect a determination to reframe FEMA’s role in emergency management. The hope is to focus on direct, effective aid for Americans in need, moving away from a history marred by inefficiency. Her comments and actions suggest a deep commitment to not just maintaining the status quo but actively reconstructing an agency meant to serve the public in critical situations.