In a meeting with FEMA staff, David Richardson said he was unaware the United States had a hurricane season. Two staff members said it was unclear if he was serious, but the agency said he was joking.

The Trump administration is addressing criticism of Acting FEMA Chief David Richardson after he reportedly said he was unaware the U.S. had a hurricane season, raising questions about the agency's preparedness for the busy season that officially began this week.

A spokesperson said that David Richardson, acting administrator of FEMA as of early May, was joking. During the briefing, staff weren't so sure.