local
FEMA official who claimed he teleported to Waffle House ousted from agency, sources say
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 26, 2026
· 2 min read
A top FEMA official who had drawn scrutiny for bizarre past remarks including claiming he teleported to a Waffle House has been pushed out of the agency, four sources tell CNN.White House officials appointed Gregg Phillips in December to lead FEMAs Office of Response and Recovery, one of the ag...
Key takeaway The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, confirmed Thursday that Phillips is leaving the agency, saying he is taking leave for personal reasons.
Why this matters in The Waco
The departure of Gregg Phillips from FEMA may have implications for the agency's operations in McLennan County, where Waco is located. As the head of the Office of Response and Recovery, Phillips played a crucial role in overseeing disaster relief efforts, which are vital to a community like Waco that is prone to severe weather events. While Phillips' public image was marred by controversy, some career FEMA officials appreciated his willingness to resist moves that would have hindered the agency's work. It remains to be seen how his departure will affect FEMA's relationships with local officials and its ability to respond to disasters in the Waco area. The community will be watching to see how the agency's new leadership will impact its operations and whether it will maintain the same level of commitment to disaster relief and recovery in McLennan County.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A top FEMA official who had drawn scrutiny for bizarre past remarks including claiming he teleported to a Waffle House has been pushed out of the agency, four sources tell CNN.White House officials appointed Gregg Phillips in December to lead FEMAs Office of Response and Recovery, one of the ag...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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