The RecordExhibit 99
Cutting FEMA's workforce in half
Ruled unlawful means: A court ruled against it. Some rulings are on appeal.
Homeland Security ordered a 50% cut to FEMA's workforce, including thousands of on-call disaster responders whose contracts weren't renewed in January 2026.
What happened
The cuts came on top of a pattern of delayed and denied disaster aid (see the FEMA entries under Congress's money).
Where it stands
Judge Susan Illston ruled in September 2026 that the plan was unlawful and arbitrary, said it looked pulled from thin air, and found it would impede FEMA's legal duty to respond to disasters. She did not order reinstatement; FEMA has started rehiring some on-call responders.
The administration's side
DHS has not publicly justified the 50% figure; the judge found no reasoned basis for it.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/femacut/