FEMA Faces Major Staff Exodus Weeks Before Hurricane Season

Hurricane preparedness efforts are being severely impacted as FEMA braces for a major loss of personnel — including some of its most experienced leaders — just weeks ahead of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

Roughly 1,000 full-time FEMA staff members, or about 20% of the agency’s permanent workforce, are expected to leave following a round of voluntary buyouts. These exits include key figures involved in disaster response planning and recovery operations.

Multiple sources say the departures are part of a government-wide reduction effort initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency. Many of those leaving are longtime FEMA veterans with decades of experience.

“This is a serious brain drain right before one of the most critical times of year for the agency,” said a FEMA official familiar with the situation.

The timing couldn't be worse. As FEMA manages responses to wildfires, flooding, and severe weather, staff shortages have reportedly already slowed down hurricane training, delayed hiring, and disrupted coordination with state emergency teams.