‘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
Internal investigations by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General have targeted Kara Voorhies, a contractor who reportedly held significant sway over the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under former Secretary Kristi Noem. Sources familiar with the situation told CNN that Voorhies, hired as a consultant and adviser, was embedded within the agency by Noem and her strategist Corey Lewandowski, effectively granting her control over key operational and financial decisions.
Federal rules challenged
FEMA insiders noted that standard regulations prevent contractors from making binding decisions on major agency matters, such as budget approvals, policy adjustments, and personnel management. Yet, six senior officials claimed Voorhies frequently dictated these choices, sometimes without direct input from Noem or Lewandowski. “In many cases, she was calling the shots,” one official remarked. “She became the shadow administrator.”
“She was essentially the de facto decision-maker for FEMA’s day-to-day functions.”
Voorhies’ role in implementing strict spending controls, including a policy requiring Noem’s personal approval for expenditures exceeding $100,000, has drawn scrutiny. These measures reportedly led to delays in FEMA’s funding and a backlog of requests. Officials questioned whether she had undergone thorough vetting, as she acted as the “eyes and ears” for Noem and Lewandowski, according to records reviewed by CNN.
Investigation expands
The OIG probe, which includes Voorhies, aims to examine how contracts were managed during Noem’s tenure. Emails obtained by CNN reveal that senior FEMA staff sought her endorsement before releasing disaster aid, updating Congress, or sharing documents with the White House. Some officials remain uncertain whether her decisions reflected her own authority or were aligned with Noem’s directives.
Following Noem’s removal earlier this month by President Donald Trump, Voorhies was also terminated. The administration’s legal team acknowledged the investigation in a recent court filing, noting they could not access her work phones due to their seizure by the watchdog office. Lawyers contesting FEMA staff cuts are now requesting records from Voorhies, Noem, and Lewandowski.
Legacy of micromanagement
Noem’s handling of contracts, including Voorhies’ placement, was a critical factor in her dismissal. Lewandowski’s direct involvement in shaping FEMA’s operations, such as overseeing financial policies, has created friction with White House officials. As of now, the inspector general’s office continues its broader review of contracting practices under Noem and her chief of staff, with Voorhies at the center of the scrutiny.
Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, highlighted the controversy, though his specific comments are not included in this summary. The situation underscores tensions between the executive branch and FEMA’s operational autonomy during the Trump administration’s efforts to restructure the agency.
