Claim via Social Media
Posts on social media claim that David Richardson, acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said he did not know the United States has a hurricane season every year.
Explanation
According to Snopes, Richardson made the remark during a press conference on May 29, 2025, when asked about FEMA’s preparedness for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. He responded, “Wait, we have a hurricane season? That happens every year?” The moment was widely shared online and drew significant attention.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (which oversees FEMA) later claimed the comment was made in jest. However, the official did not provide context or clarification from Richardson himself. The line was captured on video and has not been retracted or corrected by Richardson, leading to continued public scrutiny.
Snopes confirmed the authenticity of the quote and concluded that while Richardson may have been joking, he did in fact say it verbatim.
Conclusion
Fact or Fiction? Fact. David Richardson did say he didn’t know the U.S. has a hurricane season, though a DHS official later said he was joking.
Read More
Snopes: Did FEMA Acting Head Say He Didn’t Know the U.S. Has a Hurricane Season?
MBFC Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 06/05/2025
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Last Updated on June 22, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check