Gregg Phillips, the third-highest ranking official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and leader of its Office of Response and Recovery, has departed the agency.
Phillips was appointed to the position in December by the White House. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Thursday that he was leaving, citing personal reasons, according to CNN reporting.
However, sources familiar with the matter told CNN that Phillips did not leave voluntarily. They said he had been forced out because his public image had created significant embarrassment for agency leadership.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive critics have used the episode to question the vetting processes within the current administration. Some Democratic lawmakers have called for greater transparency around political appointments at federal agencies, arguing that positions overseeing disaster response require officials with unimpeachable credentials.
Phillips' departure comes as Congress continues to debate FEMA's role and funding in responding to natural disasters across multiple states this year.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators have largely defended Phillips, emphasizing his clarification that he was heavily medicated during cancer treatment when he made the podcast comments. Supporters note that he attributed the teleportation remarks to effects of intensive medical care rather than any genuine supernatural claim.
"I was in the opening days of intensive treatment, heavily medicated, not thinking about future headlines," Phillips wrote on Truth Social. He added that context was missing from initial coverage and that he did not use the word "teleportation" himself.
Others on the right have characterized the scrutiny as a media overreaction to comments taken out of medical context during a difficult personal health situation.
What the Numbers Show
Phillips served in his role for approximately six months before departing. He held one of what officials described as the most consequential positions within FEMA, overseeing the Office of Response and Recovery, which coordinates federal disaster response efforts.
The New York Times previously reported that roughly two dozen Waffle House employees at three different locations had no recollection of any unusual incident matching Phillips' description when investigated.
The Bottom Line
Phillips' departure marks another high-profile personnel change within the disaster relief agency. DHS has not provided additional comment beyond citing personal reasons for the exit. What remains unclear is whether formal leadership changes will follow or if acting officials will assume his responsibilities permanently. Congressional oversight committees may request briefings on the circumstances surrounding the departure.