Podcast Summary: "FEMA Chief of Staff Was Fired Despite Musk’s Promise"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Bulwark Takes
• Host/Author: The Bulwark
• Description: Bulwark Takes delivers concise analyses of daily news from The Bulwark team, including contributors like Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol.
• Episode: FEMA Chief of Staff Was Fired Despite Musk’s Promise
• Release Date: February 21, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Sam Stein interviews Scott Curtis, the recently terminated Chief of Staff at FEMA Region 7. The discussion delves into the circumstances surrounding Curtis's abrupt dismissal, the deferred resignation program initiated by the Musk administration, and the broader implications for federal employees.

Scott Curtis's Professional Background [02:01 - 05:16]

Scott Curtis provides an extensive overview of his career, highlighting his 32 years in the Navy, where he retired as a captain (equivalent to a colonel in the Army). His expertise lies in nuclear power, having served as the reactor officer on the USS Harry S. Truman and commanded multiple ships, including the USS Ashland and USS Dexteros in Bahrain. Curtis also led the Iowa State Naval ROTC program, shaping future Navy and Marine Corps officers. After retiring from active service in October 2022, he engaged in consulting for Department of Energy labs and Canadian nuclear facilities before accepting the Chief of Staff position at FEMA Region 7 in July 2024.

Scott Curtis [03:20]: "I joined the Navy in 1990 and retired as a captain in 2022... I was the commanding officer of the Iowa State Naval ROTC... I started as Chief of Staff at FEMA in July 2024 and served for six and a half months before my termination."

Prior Experiences and Notable Roles [05:16 - 09:28]

Curtis recounts his role as the foreman for the jury in the war crimes trial of Majid Khan, an Al Qaeda recruit responsible for financing a deadly bombing in Indonesia. He describes the challenges of evaluating Khan's testimony, which was marred by alleged torture, and his efforts to advocate for clemency based on the harsh treatment Khan endured.

Sam Stein [05:55]: "You were the foreman in a war crimes court. Can you elaborate on that?"

Scott Curtis [07:28]: "I wrote a recommendation for clemency considering the torturous treatment Majid Khan faced... Most jury members, except one, agreed to sign off on it."

Joining FEMA and Role Responsibilities [09:28 - 10:51]

Motivated by a desire to return to service, Curtis transitioned to FEMA, where he aimed to leverage his extensive experience to aid in disaster relief and organizational management. He describes the challenges of establishing his role in a newly created Chief of Staff position, emphasizing the struggle to integrate effectively within the organization.

Scott Curtis [09:46]: "This seemed like an opportunity to get back in that game and bring the skills I developed over three decades into a Chief of Staff position."

The Deferred Resignation Offer [10:51 - 17:51]

As the Musk administration implemented workforce reductions, Curtis received an email offering a deferred resignation program, which he misunderstood as a genuine exit opportunity. Believing he was eligible, he submitted his resignation on February 4th, anticipating an amicable departure.

Scott Curtis [11:13]: "We had no heads up on this. There was nothing from leadership to expect an email like this."

Curtis explains the confusion surrounding the legitimacy of the email, noting that its unusual phrasing led many, including himself initially, to question its authenticity.

Scott Curtis [12:13]: "Is it legitimate? If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

The Unexpected Termination [17:51 - 26:48]

Despite submitting his resignation, Curtis did not receive the expected deferred resignation package. Instead, on February 18th, he was formally terminated. The termination letter revealed that probationary employees were ineligible for the deferred resignation program, a detail absent from the initial offer. This led to Curtis feeling betrayed and disappointed by the administration's handling of the process.

Scott Curtis [22:56]: "It was an email saying probationary employees are not eligible and will be terminated. This was never mentioned before."

Curtis describes the humiliating experience of being locked out of the building when attempting to collect his personal belongings, underscoring the lack of respect and transparency in the termination process.

Scott Curtis [21:07]: "I knew what it was about... being the Chief of Staff to being locked out to get my coffee mug within a couple of days."

Impact on Federal Employees [26:48 - 31:26]

Curtis expresses concern for his fellow federal workers, particularly those who were probationary and lacked the safety nets he possessed as a retired military officer. He criticizes the administration's abrupt and poorly communicated strategy, highlighting the emotional and professional toll on employees who now face uncertainty and potential setbacks in their careers.

Scott Curtis [25:46]: "The tragedy lies in how this affects tens of thousands of federal workers who didn't deserve this."

He emphasizes that many competent and dedicated individuals are now left vulnerable due to the administration's ineffective and hasty approach to workforce reduction.

Scott Curtis [26:08]: "There wasn't any phased plan... It was almost like they decided this on the night before."

Reflections on Government Reduction and Personnel Treatment [26:48 - 31:26]

Curtis reflects on the broader implications of the administration's actions, criticizing the lack of foresight and compassion in executing workforce reductions. He contrasts his military background, where leadership prioritizes the well-being of personnel, with the current government's disregard for employee dignity.

Scott Curtis [28:40]: "Taking care of your people is fundamental... This seemed to be the opposite."

Curtis foresees long-term negative impacts on the federal workforce's morale and public trust, questioning the government's efficiency and commitment to essential services.

Scott Curtis [29:21]: "The federal government does real work... people are wondering why isn't this working anymore."

What’s Next for Scott Curtis [31:26 - 32:02]

Facing unemployment, Curtis contemplates his next steps, considering opportunities in nuclear engineering and the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. Despite contemplating a return to public service, he expresses reluctance due to the recent negative experience.

Scott Curtis [29:31]: "I'm looking into opportunities in small modular reactors and AI... I feel too young to not do anything."

Conclusion

Scott Curtis's interview on Bulwark Takes sheds light on the chaotic and impersonal manner in which the Musk administration handled federal workforce reductions. His personal narrative underscores the detrimental effects on dedicated public servants and raises critical questions about the government's approach to managing its personnel. Curtis's candid reflections aim to amplify the voices of thousands of federal employees adversely affected by these policies.

Scott Curtis [31:26]: "Many federal workers are in similar circumstances and they didn't deserve this."

Sam Stein commends Curtis for his bravery in sharing his story, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by federal employees.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Curtis [03:20]: "I started as Chief of Staff at FEMA in July 2024 and served for six and a half months before my termination."

• Scott Curtis [12:13]: "If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

• Scott Curtis [21:07]: "I knew what it was about... being the Chief of Staff to being locked out to get my coffee mug within a couple of days."

• Scott Curtis [28:40]: "Taking care of your people is fundamental... This seemed to be the opposite."

• Scott Curtis [31:26]: "Many federal workers are in similar circumstances and they didn't deserve this."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and emotions conveyed during the Bulwark Takes episode featuring Scott Curtis. It offers listeners a detailed understanding of the issues surrounding federal workforce reductions and the personal impact on those involved.