On August 26, employees of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were put on leave after they signed a public letter expressing their dissent regarding the agency's leadership. This move has heightened concerns over the Trump administration's intolerance toward dissent, following a previous incident where 139 Environmental Protection Agency employees faced administrative leave for a similar action.
The non-profit organization Stand Up for Science confirmed that multiple FEMA employees who signed what is referred to as the Katrina Declaration are now on administrative leave, although they did not disclose the exact number of affected employees. According to reports from The Washington Post, by the evening of August 26, FEMA's administrative office had begun notifying individuals of their immediate leave status while still ensuring they received pay and benefits.
In a related development, dozens of current and former personnel at FEMA had sent a letter to Congress warning that the lack of experience among the Trump administration's appointees could result in a disaster comparable to Hurricane Katrina. Stand Up for Science noted that their letter had garnered over 190 signatures by that evening, emphasizing that the federal government’s retaliatory actions against whistleblowers represent an illegal and serious betrayal of dedicated civil servants.
5 Comments
Matzomaster
This is corruption plain and simple. They're trying to protect their own ineptitude.
Africa
This is a blatant attempt to intimidate and suppress whistleblowers.
Habibi
This is a dangerous precedent. It's about suppressing warnings about potential disasters.
Donatello
This is a classic example of the 'deep state' trying to undermine the administration.
Leonardo
If they aren't allowed to speak up, who will ensure preparedness? Their experiences are vital.