FEMA Head Admits Lack of Awareness About U.S. Hurricane Season as 10 Major Storms Loom

In a meeting on Monday, Acting FEMA Director David Richardson astonished participants by revealing he was unaware that the U.S. hurricane season started on Sunday. The Department of Homeland Security swiftly defended Richardson, asserting that his statement was made in jest, despite mixed interpretations. Critics reacted fiercely; Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voiced his disbelief over Richardson's continued tenure, while Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett questioned how someone oblivious to forthcoming storms could lead the agency. Senator Amy Klobuchar stressed the vital importance of hurricane season awareness for FEMA’s head, and Rep. Bennie Thompson labeled the comment as a disqualifier. Notably, Richardson, who lacks prior disaster response experience, took the helm in May following the unexpected firing of former administrator Cameron Hamilton.