DHS To Remove FEMA Employees Who Defied White House By Spending Millions In Migrant Housing Funds

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking disciplinary action against Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials who approved $59 million in migrant hotel payments despite an executive order from President Donald Trump suspending such funding. DHS has confirmed that those involved will be dismissed for violating federal directives.

Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), exposed the payments on X, revealing that taxpayer funds were used to house migrants in expensive hotels. Among the locations was the Roosevelt Hotel, a New York property owned by the Pakistani government through Pakistan International Airlines. The disclosure sparked outrage over FEMA’s spending practices.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the decision, stating that any employee who approved unauthorized payments would be held responsible. “Individuals who circumvented leadership and unilaterally made this payment will be fired and held accountable,” McLaughlin said. The move underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing the president’s directive.

Concerns over FEMA’s financial management have been growing. The agency has been criticized for diverting resources toward migrant housing instead of disaster relief. Reports indicate that while FEMA struggled to provide aid to Hurricane Helene victims, it continued to fund housing for illegal immigrants. Critics argue that the agency has prioritized immigration-related spending over its core mission.

Federal records show that New York City recently received $81 million in funding for migrant-related expenses, with $19 million allocated to hotel accommodations. The payments were made through FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program, which reimburses cities for the costs associated with illegal immigration.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has indicated that reforms may be necessary to prevent similar misallocations in the future. Trump has also called for a restructuring of FEMA, stating that the agency has failed to manage funds efficiently. Some lawmakers are pushing for state governments to take on more disaster relief responsibilities in an effort to curb federal mismanagement.