Jasmine Crockett Rips FEMA Head Who Told Staff He Wasn't Aware U.S. Has A Hurricane Season

Texas Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett harshly criticized David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), after he told his staff—a day after the start of the Atlantic hurricane season—that he wasn't aware that the U.S. has a hurricane season.

The hurricane season, which began Sunday and runs through Nov. 30, is widely regarded as FEMA’s most demanding period, when the nation faces heightened risk of large-scale disasters that can strain or exceed the capacity of state and local emergency management systems.

While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees FEMA, said in a statement that Richardson's remark was intended as a joke, Crockett did not find it funny at all—especially when officials have already raised concerns about Richardson's lack of experience in emergency management.

She said the following in a post on X:

"Wait WHAT?! People are bracing for storms and this man just found out the weather exists?! This is what happens when you hire vibes over qualifications."

You can see her post below.

Hurricanes strike the U.S. every year—and many were equally stunned by Richardson's remarks.

This year’s hurricane season arrives amid significant staffing cuts at FEMA, further complicating the agency's ability to respond effectively.

200 FEMA employees were terminated in February, the first significant cuts as part of the Trump administration’s sweeping federal agency layoffs. About 20% of the agency's workforce—roughly 1,000 staff members—are expected to accept voluntary buyouts. The agency has for years grappled with an already critical staffing shortage.

Two people familiar with internal discussions toldThe New York Times that Richardson advised FEMA staff to model their response to this year’s hurricane season on last year’s efforts. However, employees have raised concerns about that strategy, warning that FEMA may not be equipped to handle similar demands with fewer resources.