New DHS Sec. Mullin Must Investigate FEMA Corruption and Restore Agency Integrity
As Mullen travels to devastated western North Carolina for a dog and pony disaster relief show, new reporting shows the depth of FEMA corruption across the agency
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following bombshell reporting from The Washington Post exposing how former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem steered lucrative FEMA contracts to political allies and Trump donors, Sabotaging Our Safety is calling on newly confirmed Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately investigate the corruption that plagued the agency under Noem's leadership, cooperate with cooperate with the congressional and Inspector General probes, and take urgent action to restore FEMA's integrity ahead of hurricane season.
Today, Mullin is traveling to North Carolina to highlight the agency’s work following Hurricanes Helene and Florence. He brings with him $26 million in grants—far short of the billions awarded to Trump-friendly companies and what is needed to fully support survivor recovery.
Meanwhile, the Washington Post investigation revealed that Noem—in lockstep with Kara Voorhies and Lewandowski—personally intervened to award billions in contracts to companies with direct ties to the Trump administration and major campaign contributors, bypassing standard procurement processes and sidelining career FEMA officials who raised concerns about conflicts of interest.
As Secretary Mullen parades around with grant money far short of what’s needed for Hurricane Helene disaster relief, he must investigate the corruption within FEMA to restore the agency’s integrity.
"Secretary Mullin inherits a FEMA that has been corrupted from the top down. Kristi Noem didn't just mismanage the agency — she turned it into a pay-to-play operation that put political loyalty above protecting American communities, said Davante Lewis, Sabotaging Our Safety Advisory Council member. “With hurricane season just weeks away, Secretary Mullin must act immediately to investigate this corruption, hold those responsible accountable, and restore the integrity that FEMA desperately needs to do its job."
Sabotaging Our Safety calls on Secretary Mullin to:
Immediately launch a comprehensive internal investigation into all contracts awarded under Noem's tenure, with particular focus on no-bid awards and contracts involving political appointees or donors.
Fully cooperate with Inspector General and congressional investigations into FEMA's procurement practices and provide complete transparency about the extent of political interference in agency operations.
Clear the air and restore career staff authority so FEMA can focus on preparing for hurricane season rather than managing the fallout from Noem's corruption. Communities facing disasters cannot afford another year of political games.
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