U.S. District Judge Susan Illston ruled that a Trump‑era Department of Homeland Security plan directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to prepare for a 50% staffing cut was unlawful. In her opinion, Illston wrote the number “appears as if pulled from thin air,” according to reporting carried by Headline USA and adapted from the Associated Press.
The ruling and why it matters
Illston found that the federal government violated post‑Hurricane Katrina rules placing staffing decisions with FEMA and barring DHS from “substantially” reducing FEMA’s functions, the outlets reported. The decision came in a lawsuit brought by the American Federation of Government Employees and other labor groups challenging broader Trump‑administration efforts to shrink the federal workforce.
Illston did not order a specific remedy but told the parties to meet and propose relief, per the same reports.
How the 50% target surfaced
Illston wrote that late last year top DHS officials directed FEMA leadership to submit a staffing plan built around a 50% reduction despite objections from FEMA supervisors. “Frankly, the FEMA staffing plan number appears as if pulled from thin air,” she wrote, per the outlets’ account of the opinion.
According to Headline USA’s summary of AP reporting, the labor groups argued DHS—then led by Secretary Kristi Noem—breached congressional protections meant to safeguard FEMA’s independence.
FEMA’s response
In a statement cited by the outlets, FEMA said it does not comment on personnel matters or ongoing litigation, but asserted, “DHS and FEMA are ready for the 2026 hurricane season.” The agency added: “We’re ensuring workforce stability and a strong, deployable force for upcoming national events and potential disasters; making the agency leaner, faster and laser‑focused on supporting state, local, tribal and territorial partners before, during and after disasters.” FEMA also said it “continues to maintain a roster of experienced leadership and support staff across headquarters and regional offices.”
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to the reports.
What changed inside FEMA
The outlets reported that while some terminations occurred, the 50% cuts were ultimately not carried out. After leadership changes at FEMA and DHS in recent months, the agency has rehired some staff who were let go.
FEMA was among the agencies targeted for reductions as part of a broader Trump‑administration plan to shrink government, the reports said. They described the agency as having faced mass staff departures, grant program disruptions, and delays in disaster aid.
Review council pulls back; watchdog flags risks
According to the outlets’ account, a Trump‑appointed FEMA Review Council issued a final report in May recommending sweeping changes to FEMA’s support for states, tribes, and territories. While a December 2025 draft reviewed by the Associated Press had included a 50% workforce cut, the council’s final report backed away from that and instead urged a “strategic review” to determine appropriate staffing levels.
In an August report, the Government Accountability Office found that thousands of staff departures in 2025 led to a “loss of institutional knowledge and experienced personnel” and worsened ongoing workforce challenges. GAO cited more than 4,300 separations (about 17%) in the 2025 budget year, including over 1,500 voluntary reductions, alongside about 2,900 new hires. GAO recommended Congress “consider requiring” FEMA to base significant workforce decisions on a more strategic planning process, warning that without it, FEMA cannot be assured it can meet its mission needs.
What comes next
Illston directed the parties to meet and craft a proposed remedy, the outlets reported. The reports did not indicate whether an appeal is forthcoming.
