FEMA official who claimed he teleported to Waffle House ousted from agency, sources say

FEMA Official Gregg Phillips Removed from Agency Amid Controversy

FEMA official who claimed he teleported – Gregg Phillips, a prominent figure within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has been removed from his position following a series of unusual public statements that sparked widespread criticism. Four confidential sources informed CNN that Phillips was ousted due to his history of controversial remarks, including a bizarre claim that he had teleported to a Waffle House. His departure marks a significant shift in the agency’s leadership, reflecting growing tensions within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees FEMA.

Appointment Amid Polarizing Background

Phillips was appointed to lead FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery in December 2026 by White House officials. This role is critical, as it involves coordinating disaster relief efforts and managing the agency’s operational backbone. Despite his history of promoting election conspiracy theories—particularly after the 2020 election—his appointment was seen as a strategic move to align FEMA with the administration’s priorities. The decision to place him in such a high-profile position drew mixed reactions, with some viewing it as an attempt to inject fresh energy into the agency, while others questioned his suitability.

The controversy surrounding Phillips intensified in March 2026 when CNN published a report detailing a collection of outlandish comments he made during appearances on right-wing podcasts. Among these were claims that he had experienced physical teleportation, including a specific incident where he described suddenly appearing at a Waffle House approximately 50 miles from his previous location. The report highlighted how his remarks, while entertaining to some, were perceived as eccentric and potentially damaging to FEMA’s credibility. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed his exit on Thursday, stating that Phillips was taking personal leave. However, sources suggest the departure was not entirely voluntary, citing dissatisfaction with his public image and frequent clashes with other DHS leaders.

The Teleportation Claim

Phillips’ most famous claim centered on his assertion of having been physically teleported. In a notable instance, he told CNN that he had found himself at a Waffle House shortly after a particular event, with no explanation for how he had traveled such a distance in mere moments. The story was amplified by the Washington Post, which first reported on his resignation. Phillips defended his statements as genuine spiritual experiences, drawing parallels to biblical accounts of supernatural transportation. In one comment, he said,

“haters gonna hate,”

a phrase he used to dismiss skepticism about his assertions.

While his teleportation claim may seem far-fetched, it was part of a broader pattern of statements that blended the extraordinary with the everyday. CNN previously detailed how Phillips described multiple incidents of teleportation, often in casual conversations with listeners. These remarks, though dismissed by some as playful or metaphorical, raised eyebrows among officials and the public alike. The inconsistency between his claims and the agency’s mission to provide reliable disaster response underscored concerns about his influence on FEMA’s operations.

A Record of Controversy

Phillips’ career has been marked by a history of inflammatory public statements that predate his FEMA tenure. Before joining the agency, he was known for his fiery rhetoric, which included warnings about migrants threatening American lives and calls for podcast listeners to arm themselves. These comments, combined with his repeated promotion of false election fraud claims, painted a picture of a leader unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom. His tenure at FEMA coincided with the administration’s efforts to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic oversight, a move that some officials welcomed while others viewed as a potential risk.

When Phillips arrived at FEMA, then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her chief of staff, Corey Lewandowski, were actively working to consolidate control over the agency. Their strategy involved shrinking FEMA’s scope and centralizing decision-making processes. Phillips, however, stood out for his willingness to resist these changes. Career officials noted that his presence provided a counterbalance to the administration’s push for efficiency, even as he occasionally clashed with senior leaders over policy priorities.

Departure and Aftermath

The DHS confirmed Phillips’ exit, framing it as a personal decision. Yet, insiders indicate that the move was driven by the increasing pressure on the agency’s reputation. His public antics, particularly the Waffle House claim, had become a symbol of the political tensions surrounding FEMA. While some career staff remained loyal to Phillips, others saw his departure as a necessary step to restore public confidence in the agency’s operations.

President Donald Trump, who had previously praised Phillips, took a more skeptical stance on the matter. When CNN asked about the teleportation claims, he responded with a mix of humor and curiosity, saying,

“I know nothing about teleporting or him, but I’ll find out about it right now.”

This reaction highlighted the polarizing nature of Phillips’ persona, with some viewing him as a charismatic figure and others as a liability to the agency’s mission.

Legacy and Impact

Phillips’ time at FEMA, though brief, left a lasting impression on both the agency and its stakeholders. His ability to connect with certain officials and audiences demonstrated the power of narrative in shaping public perception, even in the face of skepticism. However, the controversy surrounding his statements also raised questions about the role of ideological alignment in leadership decisions. As the DHS moves forward with new leadership, the focus will shift to addressing the challenges left behind by Phillips’ tenure and rebuilding FEMA’s reputation as a reliable, responsive institution.

Experts suggest that Phillips’ ousting reflects a broader trend within the administration to distance itself from figures associated with the 2020 election’s aftermath. His claims of teleportation, while seemingly trivial, served as a focal point for critics who saw them as emblematic of a larger pattern of distrust in established institutions. Meanwhile, supporters argue that his unorthodox approach brought a sense of boldness to FEMA’s operations, even if it came at the cost of public credibility.

As the story of Gregg Phillips’ departure unfolds, it underscores the delicate balance between innovation and accountability in public service. His removal highlights how a single controversial remark can amplify scrutiny, particularly in an era where public trust in government agencies is constantly under pressure. The DHS’s decision to prioritize stability over eccentricity signals a shift in focus, with the agency now tasked with refocusing on its core mission: to prepare for and respond to emergencies with clarity and efficiency.

The Washington Post and CNN both played pivotal roles in bringing Phillips’ actions to light, with the latter’s reporting on his teleportation claims sparking national conversation. These media outlets not only documented his ousting but also provided context for his broader influence on FEMA’s direction. As the agency adapts to its new leadership, the lessons from Phillips’ tenure will likely shape future decisions, ensuring that unconventional ideas are weighed against the need for public trust and operational integrity.