Trump Asks ‘Was He Kidding?’ After Hearing FEMA Official’s Claim About Teleporting to Waffle House: ‘Sounds a Little Strange’

Title: Controversial FEMA Official Under Scrutiny After Outlandish Remarks

In December 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Gregg Phillips to spearhead the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Office of Response and Recovery. Phillips, known for his far-right conspiracy theories, has become a polarising figure due to his controversial past and striking remarks.

Phillips first came to public attention as a prominent supporter of baseless claims regarding voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. His position at FEMA, especially given the growing frequency of natural disasters, raises questions about his ability to effectively manage crisis responses while holding such unorthodox views.

Recently, during an episode of his podcast “Onward,” Phillips made headlines by claiming to have teleported several times. He cited a specific instance where he allegedly transported himself to a Waffle House located approximately 80 kilometres from his original location. Trump’s reaction to these assertions came when he was questioned about Phillips’ statements during a brief interview with CNN.

“What does teleport mean? Was he kidding?” the President inquired, expressing some bemusement. Upon learning that Phillips was serious, Trump responded, “I don’t know anything about teleporting… It just sounds a little strange.” Despite the President’s claims of ignorance regarding his appointee, Phillips had undergone a vetting process to attain his senior position at FEMA.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management outlines the importance of a thorough vetting process for federal employees, especially those in positions of trust. This scrutiny aims to uphold public confidence in the integrity of the federal workforce. Given Phillips’ previous role in human services in Mississippi and Texas, he presumably met these stringent criteria—though his appointment has elicited concern from various quarters.

While Phillips’ recent claims have been the focal point of discussion, his history includes troubling comments, including threats against former President Joe Biden. Phillips expressed vehement disdain, stating, “I would like to punch that b—- in the mouth right now. He is a nasty, s—y, crappy human being, and he deserves to die.” Such incendiary rhetoric suggests a mindset that may compromise his role in an impartial emergency management capacity.

Organisations that Phillips has been affiliated with, such as True the Vote, further complicate his standing. True the Vote’s mission purportedly revolves around empowering citizens to protect electoral integrity. However, the group gained notoriety through its role in Dinesh D’Souza’s controversial documentary, “2000 Mules,” which claimed widespread voter fraud during the 2020 election. Many of the allegations have been discredited in courts, where over 50 lawsuits from Trump and his allies were dismissed.

A review conducted by CNN also uncovered previously deleted posts authored by Phillips that contained targeted personal attacks against Democratic officials, along with his promotion of various conspiracy theories following Trump’s electoral loss. This online behaviour contributes to an image that may hinder public trust in his current appointment.

In light of the unfolding situation, a FEMA spokesperson responded to the scrutiny, characterising certain criticisms of Phillips’ comments as “silly” and not worthy of serious discussion. They reaffirmed that DHS, FEMA, and Phillips are focused on their critical emergency management mission, emphasising that much of what has been cited may have been taken out of context or stemmed from casual discussions made in a previous, personal capacity.

However, with Phillips at the helm during turbulent weather events and various crises, the implications of his beliefs and rhetoric insistently linger. Under such circumstances, questions abound regarding whether a figure who entertains the notion of teleportation or engages in aggressive personal attacks can effectively navigate the urgent challenges that lie ahead in disaster response management.

Phillips’ appointment is more than just a controversial staffing decision; it embodies a broader narrative around the intersection of conspiracy thinking and governance in contemporary politics. As the country faces increasing natural disasters, the administration’s choice of leadership in FEMA may have lasting implications, raising essential questions about professionalism, credibility, and the future of emergency management in a time of crisis.