FEMA Dismisses Three Over Skipping Trump-Signed Homes; NOAA Cuts 1,029 Jobs, Closes 19 Offices

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has dismissed three employees following an investigation into allegations of political bias during disaster relief efforts after Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The workers were found to have skipped homes displaying Trump signs, contravening FEMA's non-discriminatory policies. In a separate development, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is set to reduce its workforce by an additional 1,029 employees, representing a 10% cut from its current staff of 10,290. This move follows the termination of 1,300 NOAA workers earlier in the year, bringing the total reduction to about 20% since the beginning of the year. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has also terminated leases on 19 NOAA offices across the country. The job cuts at NOAA are part of broader federal budget reductions and have raised concerns about the agency's ability to provide essential services, including weather forecasts and disaster warnings. Amid these staffing reductions, FEMA has canceled all courses at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, as part of an evaluation of agency programs and spending to align with administration priorities. This decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers and officials who argue it compromises public safety, particularly as wildfire season approaches.