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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayDocuments outline potential reductions to CORE and surge staffing, raising concerns about disaster response capacity
January 06, 2026 08:39 AM •
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security has reportedly drafted plans that could sharply reduce FEMA’s workforce in 2026, according to documents obtained by The Washington Post.
The documents describe potential cuts to thousands of disaster response and recovery positions, staff who support incident coordination, logistics, field operations and long-term recovery.
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Sources familiar with the planning said terminations could come in waves and may have already started. They said about 65 jobs were eliminated on New Year’s Eve from FEMA’s Cadre of On-Call Response and Recovery (CORE), a large segment of FEMA’s workforce that often deploys early after disasters and may remain in place for years to support recovery.
December emails to senior FEMA leaders reportedly included tables outlining possible reductions, including a 41% cut to CORE disaster roles and an 85% cut to surge staffing — standby personnel who can be among the first on the ground when disasters strike. FEMA spokesperson Daniel Llargués said FEMA has not issued and is not implementing percentage-based workforce reductions, describing the leaked materials as routine, pre-decisional workforce planning conducted under OMB and OPM guidance.
Two former senior officials said DHS Secretary Kristi L. Noem has pushed to reduce CORE staffing. Former acting FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton warned that large, rapid staffing losses could slow processing and delay assistance to survivors. A source said the emails show deliberate discussions about reductions and request senior leaders to confirm that any remaining positions are essential.
The potential cuts would follow FEMA’s early 2025 termination wave, which included hundreds of probationary employees. FEMA leaders are also awaiting a final report from a Trump-appointed review council on the agency’s future. A version previously reported by The Post recommended a leaner but more independent FEMA.
A veteran FEMA official said major DHS-driven reductions could conflict with post-Katrina reforms that restrict actions that significantly reduce FEMA’s functions.
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at [email protected].
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