Trump faces legal setback over EM jobs cuts
An American judge has ruled that the Trump administration's plan to cut the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) workforce in half is illegal. The Department of Homeland Security exceeded its authority and interfered in the agency's affairs, leading to a significant reduction in its staffing—from approximately 23,000 to about 11,383 employees—which threatens its ability to respond effectively to disasters. Court documents also show that the plan was implemented without adequate assessment of the agency’s needs and that it conflicts with a law passed after Hurricane Katrina, which limits the Department of Homeland Security's authority to reduce FEMA's responsibilities. No penalties or remedial measures have been issued yet, but the court is scheduled to discuss this later. Meanwhile, union critics argue that the plan undermines the agency's core mission. The rulings come at a time when FEMA is facing increased scrutiny over its capacity to carry out its duties amid the rising frequency and complexity of disasters.
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