Federal officials face termination after violating an order from President Donald Trump, which halted funding for housing illegal immigrants in New York City hotels. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that those responsible for the unauthorized payments would be dismissed.
Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), exposed the issue, revealing that FEMA allocated $59 million for hotel accommodations for migrants. The Roosevelt Hotel, owned by Pakistan International Airlines, was among the establishments receiving funds. According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, those who bypassed leadership to authorize the payments “will be fired and held accountable.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has expressed concerns over FEMA’s financial management, suggesting that the agency should be significantly restructured. The Trump administration has been reviewing FEMA’s operations, and Musk has led efforts to cut excessive government spending, including identifying waste in federal budgets.
New York City officials acknowledged receiving federal money intended for migrant assistance. They confirmed that $19 million of the funds was designated for hotel stays, with the remainder covering food and security costs. FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program, which provided the funding, has faced criticism for its role in handling the migrant crisis.
Republicans have raised concerns that FEMA’s involvement in immigration issues could compromise its ability to respond to natural disasters. Speaker Mike Johnson has argued that while FEMA funding is divided into separate categories, it should not be used for immigration-related expenses.
Trump has voiced strong criticism of FEMA, stating that it has become ineffective. He has suggested shifting disaster relief responsibilities to state governments, an idea that has gained traction among conservative lawmakers seeking to curb federal spending.
