WASHINGTON — A senior official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has stepped away from the agency following renewed scrutiny over past public statements, including claims and comments that had previously drawn widespread criticism, according to FEMA and multiple media reports.
The official, Gregg Phillips, who had led FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery since late 2025, left the position this week. The Department of Homeland Security said Phillips departed for "personal reasons," while FEMA confirmed he would no longer oversee the office. The move follows controversy surrounding earlier remarks, including unsupported claims about election fraud and public statements in which Phillips said he had experienced teleportation, comments that resurfaced after his appointment.
In a statement, FEMA thanked Phillips for his service, saying he "has played a pivotal role in stabilizing the Office of Response and Recovery and advancing key reforms to strengthen our mission delivery." The agency added that senior official David Arnold would return to lead the office in an acting capacity while the transition continues.
Phillips' appointment to one of FEMA's most senior operational roles had drawn criticism because he lacked a traditional emergency management background and because of his previous public statements. News organizations also reported that he had promoted false claims about voting in the 2016 and 2020 U.S. elections before joining the agency.
According to people familiar with the matter cited by The Washington Post and CNN, concerns over Phillips' public profile contributed to the decision for him to step away from the role. The Department of Homeland Security has not publicly confirmed those accounts and has not provided additional details beyond describing the departure as being for personal reasons.
The leadership change comes as FEMA continues to experience turnover following broader changes within the Department of Homeland Security. The agency is entering the Atlantic hurricane season while also managing ongoing organizational and leadership transitions.
Neither Phillips nor his representatives immediately issued a public statement addressing the circumstances of his departure. Details about any future role for Phillips remain unclear.
The Department of Homeland Security has not announced additional personnel changes related to the matter. FEMA said David Arnold will serve in the acting leadership position as the agency continues its response and recovery operations.
