13 September 2026 — A federal judge in California has ruled that the Trump administration’s plan to reduce the Federal Emergency Management Agency workforce by 50 percent was unlawful.
US District Judge Susan Illston found that the Department of Homeland Security improperly took control of staffing decisions that federal law places with FEMA.
The dispute centered partly on directions that would have prevented the renewal of temporary contracts for thousands of reservists who deploy during disasters.
The judge said the record did not show reasoned decision-making for the proposed staffing level, which FEMA projected at roughly 11,383 employees.
Post-Hurricane Katrina legislation bars DHS from substantially reducing FEMA’s authorities, responsibilities or functions without following legal requirements.
The ruling did not immediately impose a remedy; the parties were directed to discuss relief, with further court action expected.
FEMA said it remained prepared for the 2026 hurricane season and was focused on maintaining a stable, deployable workforce for national emergencies.
References
- Reuters — Judge rules FEMA staffing plan violated law
- Associated Press — Federal judge rules 50% FEMA staffing cuts unlawful
Featured photo: Jakob Knox via Unsplash.