‘Shadow administrator’ at FEMA part of investigation by DHS internal watchdog, sources say
‘Shadow administrator’ at FEMA part of investigation by DHS internal watchdog, sources say
Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her advisor Corey Lewandowski brought in an external contractor, Kara Voorhies, to influence the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) over the last year. This individual, hired as a consultant and adviser, has been under examination by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, according to three insiders with knowledge of the situation. These officials reported that Voorhies had substantial authority over FEMA’s spending and operations, contradicting standard federal rules.
Federal Rules on Contractor Authority
FEMA insiders explained that contractors typically aren’t allowed to dictate decisions on critical agency matters like policy adjustments, contract awards, budget approvals, or operational oversight. Similarly, personnel choices—such as hiring, firing, or managing federal staff—should be handled by government officials, not external contractors. However, six senior figures at FEMA indicated that Voorhies frequently intervened in such decisions, sometimes acting as the final arbiter.
“In many cases, she was calling the shots,” one senior official remarked. “She became the shadow administrator.”
Impact on FEMA Operations
Voorhies was central to the DHS’s effort to monitor FEMA’s spending, which operates with a budget exceeding billions of dollars. Her role coincided with delays in fund disbursement, reductions in emergency preparedness grants, and tighter controls on agency activities. Emails obtained by CNN show that senior FEMA staff sought her approval before distributing aid, presenting Congress, or sharing documents with the White House.
Officials noted uncertainty about whether decisions originated from Voorhies or reflected Noem and Lewandowski’s directives. This ambiguity has raised concerns about her level of autonomy within the agency. Voorhies did not respond to CNN’s attempts to reach her via multiple contact details.
Termination and Investigative Actions
Following Noem’s dismissal earlier this month, the Trump administration terminated Voorhies, as stated by three sources. In a recent court filing, Trump’s legal team acknowledged the OIG’s investigation into DHS contracting practices, including the inability to retrieve digital data from Voorhies’ work devices due to their seizure by the watchdog office.
The OIG’s probe has also extended to Noem and Lewandowski, with investigators examining their influence over FEMA. The Wall Street Journal was the first to highlight Voorhies’ role in the scrutiny. Meanwhile, attorneys opposing recent FEMA staff reductions are requesting records from her, Noem, and Lewandowski.
Contracting Practices Under Scrutiny
Noem’s management of contracts was cited as a key reason for her removal by Trump. Lewandowski’s close oversight of the department, particularly in contract matters, has also sparked tensions with White House officials, as reported by CNN. Voorhies acted as a liaison for Noem and Lewandowski, enforcing strict spending limits, such as requiring their personal approval for all expenditures over $100,000.
Several senior officials claim that Lewandowski personally selected Voorhies to oversee FEMA, positioning her as his and Noem’s “eyes and ears.” They questioned whether she underwent thorough vetting by the administration. Additionally, FEMA’s acting chief, Karen Evans, was required to consult Voorhies before approving decisions, a detail confirmed by documents reviewed by CNN.
Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, has commented on the situation, though specific remarks were not included in the provided text.
