On July 22, 2025, Ken Pagurek, the chief of FEMA's urban search and rescue unit, announced his resignation, pointing to bureaucratic constraints under the Trump administration that he believes have significantly delayed essential disaster responses, including those related to flooding in Texas.
FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Chief Exits Amid Bureaucratic Concerns
FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Chief Exits Amid Bureaucratic Concerns
Ken Pagurek resigns as he cites administrative chaos by the Trump administration, hindering disaster response efforts.
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In a surprising departure, Ken Pagurek, who has played a pivotal role in FEMA's urban search and rescue efforts for over a decade, has officially resigned from his position as chief of the agency’s unit. His resignation stems from deep frustrations regarding increased bureaucratic obstacles instituted by the Trump administration that he feels threaten effective disaster response measures.
Sources close to Pagurek revealed that his growing concerns came to a head amid the ongoing hurricane season, with the new administrative policies creating what he termed “chaos” within FEMA. One major policy that alarmed him was the requirement for personal approval from Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, for any purchases exceeding $100,000. Experts in disaster management pointed out that this could severely impede quick financial decisions necessary during emergencies, possibly stalling responses that could amount to billions of dollars.
Pagurek articulated his thoughts in his resignation letter, stating, “This decision was not made lightly, and after much reflection and prayer, it is the right path for me at this time.” He expressed concern that the delays could have dire consequences during critical disaster response operations. His resignation was first reported by CNN, and efforts to reach him for further comment were unsuccessful.
The agency has come under scrutiny as it faces mounting challenges brought about not just by natural disasters, but also by the complex regulatory landscape created by recent government directives.
In a surprising departure, Ken Pagurek, who has played a pivotal role in FEMA's urban search and rescue efforts for over a decade, has officially resigned from his position as chief of the agency’s unit. His resignation stems from deep frustrations regarding increased bureaucratic obstacles instituted by the Trump administration that he feels threaten effective disaster response measures.
Sources close to Pagurek revealed that his growing concerns came to a head amid the ongoing hurricane season, with the new administrative policies creating what he termed “chaos” within FEMA. One major policy that alarmed him was the requirement for personal approval from Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, for any purchases exceeding $100,000. Experts in disaster management pointed out that this could severely impede quick financial decisions necessary during emergencies, possibly stalling responses that could amount to billions of dollars.
Pagurek articulated his thoughts in his resignation letter, stating, “This decision was not made lightly, and after much reflection and prayer, it is the right path for me at this time.” He expressed concern that the delays could have dire consequences during critical disaster response operations. His resignation was first reported by CNN, and efforts to reach him for further comment were unsuccessful.
The agency has come under scrutiny as it faces mounting challenges brought about not just by natural disasters, but also by the complex regulatory landscape created by recent government directives.
