On the second day of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, FEMA's acting administrator David Richardson expressed surprise at the existence of the hurricane season, sparking confusion and concern among agency staff. Despite attempts by the Department of Homeland Security to downplay his comments as a joke, critics saw them as indicative of Richardson's lack of preparedness for the anticipated disaster season. His inexperience and contradictory statements raised alarms among lawmakers, prompting calls for his replacement. Richardson, with a background in military service but no experience in disaster response, took over FEMA amidst the agency's restructuring.
"Richardson stated he was unaware that the U.S. had a hurricane season, raising questions about his competency and preparedness for upcoming natural disasters."
"The timing of Richardson's comments, following NOAA's forecast of an above-normal hurricane season, heightened concerns about FEMA's readiness under his leadership."
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