Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has taken a dramatic step by firing more than two dozen staff members at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The action followed a major cybersecurity breach in which a “threat actor” gained access to FEMA’s computer network.

Cybersecurity Breach Triggers Mass Firings

A review of the agency’s systems revealed serious failures. According to Noem, FEMA’s career IT leadership failed to protect sensitive data and allowed prohibited legacy protocols to remain in use. The review also showed that FEMA did not use multi-factor authentication, leaving its systems exposed.

Noem said in a press release that the breach was far more serious than many inside FEMA admitted. She accused entrenched bureaucrats of trying to prevent Homeland Security from fixing the problem and of downplaying the threat.

Those fired included FEMA’s Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and 22 other IT employees. Noem described them as individuals who were more focused on covering up their failures than protecting the Homeland and American citizens’ data.

The identity of the cybercriminal behind the breach has not been revealed. FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security have not responded to requests for further information.

Internal Turmoil Within FEMA

This sweeping action by Noem comes at a time when FEMA is already under heavy criticism. The agency has been facing turbulence over leadership changes, poor management, and growing frustration among its staff.

Nearly 200 current and former FEMA employees wrote to Congress earlier this week, warning that the agency is being dangerously mismanaged. They claimed that the current leadership is rolling back vital protections meant to prevent failures during disasters.

Shortly after the letter was revealed, several FEMA employees were placed on leave, adding to tensions inside the agency.

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Leadership changes have caused controversy. In May, Noem fired the acting FEMA administrator. He had opposed budget cuts to the agency just one day earlier. His removal alarmed many people. They feared FEMA leadership was being reshaped to silence dissent. They also worried it was not meant to improve performance.

His replacement soon drew criticism after saying he did not know the United States had a hurricane season. While officials later insisted the comment was a joke, critics pointed to it as an example of how unprepared FEMA leadership had become.

Noem’s move to fire dozens of FEMA IT staff now adds another layer of instability, as cybersecurity is a crucial element of the agency’s ability to function effectively.

FEMA Under Fire for Disaster Response Failures

The latest crisis under Noem’s leadership also comes on the heels of criticism over FEMA’s disaster response efforts. Recently, the agency was faulted for its handling of deadly floods in Texas that killed more than 135 people.

Reports showed that an Urban Search and Rescue team prepared to deploy but waited several days because Noem required personal approval for expenditures over $100,000. Survivors of the floods and state officials said the delay cost valuable time and may have worsened the tragedy.

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FEMA’s reputation is already under strain. President Trump once proposed cutting back the agency’s role. Since then, FEMA has faced budget cuts and changes in leadership. It has also faced claims of political interference. Noem’s management has added more debate. Many now question if the agency can handle national emergencies well.

With this move, Noem tried to show she wants accountability for FEMA’s failures. She fired top IT staff and many others. This action has raised concerns. People now worry if the agency can work properly in an emergency while facing so much internal trouble.

As of now, the threat actor behind the breach remains unknown. FEMA continues to face public scrutiny not only for cybersecurity weaknesses but also for repeated lapses in disaster response. With Kristi Noem at the center of the controversy, the agency is navigating one of the most turbulent times in its history.