The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has reportedly suspended a number of staff members who publicly criticized the agency's direction under President Trump. The employees were among those who signed an open letter urging the administration to reconsider budget cuts and warning that inadequate funding could lead to a 'national catastrophe' similar to Hurricane Katrina.

On Tuesday, more than 20 employees were informed that they had been placed on administrative leave, as reported by CBS News. The letter they signed pointed to the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, highlighting the need for effective leadership and adequate funding for disaster preparedness.

These suspensions have intensified scrutiny of Fema's readiness following recent catastrophic flooding in Texas. Reports have indicated that following Trump's criticism of the agency, many staff members have left, with a significant portion of the workforce resigning in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Fema responded by defending its commitment to improving operations, asserting that it is focused on delivering effective disaster response amid these significant changes and challenges. The aftermath of recent events has raised questions regarding the agency's ability to respond effectively during the current hurricane season.