In a recent interview with James O’Keefe, Kelsey Goodman, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Emergency Manager for Region 4, has come forward as a whistleblower. Goodman’s revelations paint a concerning picture of FEMA’s priorities, alleging that the agency is increasingly focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over disaster relief and community recovery efforts. According to Goodman, this shift has resulted in FEMA redirecting resources toward DEI goals rather than focusing on assisting all Americans impacted by natural disasters.
“The number one goal of FEMA is to instill equity in emergency management. It’s not to save lives or to create stronger communities that will weather future disasters,” Goodman said in the interview, sharing her firsthand concerns. According to Goodman, FEMA’s recent focus on DEI has led to policies that she claims assign priority to certain racial groups, a strategy that, she argues, detracts from FEMA’s central mission to support disaster-stricken communities without bias.
Goodman provided specific instances of FEMA’s DEI focus interfering with its disaster response. Following Hurricane Helene, which severely affected parts of North Carolina, Goodman observed that FEMA’s presence on the ground was minimal, leaving many local residents feeling abandoned. “People were videoing themselves stranded,” Goodman noted. “They didn’t see FEMA responders on the ground, and they were very frustrated.” According to Goodman, the agency’s limited presence in affected areas has drawn substantial criticism, with residents left to manage their situations with little to no federal assistance.
Instead of focusing efforts on urgent disaster relief, Goodman claimed that FEMA’s resources were diverted toward equity initiatives, including prioritizing “disadvantaged communities.” However, Goodman questioned how FEMA defines “disadvantaged” and whether these efforts are effectively supporting those in immediate need. “We’re dedicating resources to things that you can’t tie to fact,” she explained, adding that this reallocation detracts from FEMA’s primary mission of helping Americans affected by disasters.
Goodman also highlighted a culture within FEMA that resists criticism, alleging that employees who voice concerns are labeled “bad actors” or accused of “spreading misinformation.” According to Goodman, internal discussions paint FEMA’s current response efforts as effective, despite the frustrations expressed by those impacted by disasters. “Anyone who has a problem with the way we’re doing things, they’re spreading misinformation,” she said, describing a narrative that, in her view, doesn’t reflect the reality faced by many disaster survivors.
This internal culture of discouraging dissent, Goodman argued, allows FEMA’s leadership to continue prioritizing DEI initiatives without facing accountability for their impact on disaster response. Goodman believes this approach has created a disconnect between FEMA’s self-assessment and the experiences of those on the ground in disaster-stricken areas. By not acknowledging or addressing these gaps, she argues, FEMA risks alienating those it is intended to serve.
One of the primary concerns Goodman raised is the perceived vagueness surrounding FEMA’s equity initiatives. FEMA’s emphasis on prioritizing “disadvantaged communities,” Goodman noted, comes without a clear or consistent definition. While FEMA’s equity-focused strategy aims to address historical disparities, Goodman argued that these priorities can lead to delays or reallocation of resources away from immediate disaster response. According to Goodman, this approach is preventing FEMA from efficiently responding to disasters, putting vulnerable families and communities at further risk.
“We need to get back to basics,” Goodman insisted. “We have the resources. We need to actually use them to help people.” She expressed frustration with what she described as FEMA’s “woke agenda,” which she claims has taken precedence over practical relief strategies and fails to directly address the urgent needs of disaster survivors. Goodman contends that, without a return to its core mission, FEMA risks leaving more Americans stranded in the wake of natural disasters.
Goodman’s decision to go public was not made lightly. Despite potential personal and professional risks, she felt compelled to shed light on what she views as a misalignment in FEMA’s priorities. “If you feel a calling from the Lord…you need to speak the truth,” she explained. For Goodman, speaking out was a moral obligation, motivated by her belief that FEMA should redirect its focus toward helping communities devastated by disasters.
She also called on other FEMA employees who may share her concerns to advocate for change from within the agency. Goodman believes that by exposing these internal issues, FEMA can refocus on its fundamental mission—supporting all Americans during emergencies, without bias or unnecessary bureaucratic interference.
Goodman’s revelations come at a time when FEMA is under increased scrutiny for its handling of recent disasters across the U.S., with critics questioning whether the agency has the resources and strategy necessary to provide effective relief. The implications of her claims could provoke a wider conversation on the role of DEI in federal agencies, especially those with missions focused on crisis management and public safety.
While DEI initiatives have become more prominent across various federal departments, critics argue that these priorities should not overshadow immediate responsibilities, such as disaster relief. Supporters of DEI in emergency management, however, argue that equitable response efforts can help ensure that historically marginalized communities receive adequate support. FEMA will likely need to address these concerns, potentially revisiting how it balances DEI objectives with its core mission to protect all Americans.
Goodman’s account underscores the tension between modern equity initiatives and the traditional goals of disaster response, a topic likely to spark further debate as Americans evaluate the agency’s role and priorities. As this story unfolds, FEMA may face calls for greater transparency and accountability in its relief operations, particularly regarding how it allocates resources and prioritizes disaster-stricken communities across the country.