The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has reportedly suspended a number of staff who critiqued the agency's direction under US President Donald Trump.
The staff are said to have been among those who recently signed an open letter that criticized Trump officials over cuts and alleged interference, warning that another in danger of a national catastrophe akin to Hurricane Katrina was possible.
More than 20 employees were informed on Tuesday that they had been placed on administrative leave, according to sources mentioned by CBS News.
A Fema spokesperson stated that the agency's priority is providing for disaster survivors and not defending outdated systems.
The spokesperson remarked: It is not surprising that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform. Change is always hard, particularly for those accustomed to the status quo who have forgotten their duty is to the American people, not entrenched bureaucracy.
This decision comes under increasing scrutiny of US disaster readiness, especially after deadly flooding incidents in Texas and extensive cuts made since Trump's re-election.
Trump has openly criticized the effectiveness of Fema and hinted at the possibility of disbanding the agency, asserting that state officials might better manage disaster responses.
Amid these incidents, hundreds of Fema employees have resigned throughout the year, reflecting instability in the workforce.
The letter, which marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, highlighted the significant loss of life from the disaster and the need for competent leadership in disaster management.
Among those suspended, at least two were involved in the federal response to flooding in Texas that took place in July, resulting in numerous fatalities, including 27 children during a summer camp.
