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FEMA Contractor Kara Voorhies Probed by DHS Watchdog

Kara Voorhies, a contractor at FEMA appointed by former Secretary Kristi Noem, is under investigation by the DHS inspector general for overstepping her authority by influencing spending, aid allocation, and personnel decisions. Federal regulations prohibit contractors from such roles, but Voorhies acted as a "shadow administrator," requiring approval for all major actions and causing delays in disaster response. Her interventions included implementing strict spending controls that backlogged funding, as seen during Texas floods. Following Noem's dismissal by President Trump, Voorhies was terminated, and her equipment seized as part of a broader probe into contracting practices under Noem and adviser Corey Lewandowski, who faces obstruction allegations.

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FEMA Contractor Kara Voorhies Probed by DHS Watchdog

An outside contractor at FEMA, Kara Voorhies, is under investigation by the DHS inspector general for allegedly wielding unauthorized influence over the agency's operations and spending, according to sources.

Background and Appointment

  • Voorhies was hired as a consultant and adviser by then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her adviser Corey Lewandowski.
  • She was placed inside FEMA and effectively served as a gatekeeper for Noem and Lewandowski, with sources describing her as the "shadow administrator."

Investigation Details

  • The DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is investigating contract handling under Noem and Lewandowski as part of a broader probe.
  • Investigators seized Voorhies' government-issued equipment and documents after her termination following Noem's dismissal.
  • The probe includes allegations that DHS leadership obstructed the watchdog's work, with 11 instances cited.
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Regulatory Violations

  • Federal regulations prohibit contractors from making decisions that bind the government on core functions like policy changes, awarding contracts, approving budgets, and personnel matters.
  • Six senior officials reported that Voorhies frequently intervened in these areas, often deciding issues herself.
  • Internal emails show she required approval for disaster aid disbursement, congressional briefings, and White House communications.

Operational Impact at FEMA

  • Voorhies implemented strict spending controls, including a policy requiring Noem's personal signoff on expenditures over $100,000, leading to massive backlogs.
  • She slowed disaster response efforts, such as during Texas floods in July 2026, by halting rapid actions like prepositioning rescue teams.
  • FEMA's acting chief, Karen Evans, was required to route decisions through Voorhies before approval.

Aftermath and Reactions

  • President Trump fired Noem in March 2026, and Voorhies' contract was subsequently terminated.
  • Lewandowski denied that investigators confiscated Voorhies' equipment, calling it "fake news," but DHS OIG has custody of her devices.
  • Senator Thom Tillis raised concerns on the Senate floor about Voorhies' role and slow-walked disaster aid to North Carolina.
  • Vice President JD Vance acknowledged FEMA's missteps in disaster relief delivery post-Noem's removal.
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