local
FEMA official who 'teleported to Waffle House' steps down
By Dieter Mouchkatine at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
Gregg Phillips, a top FEMA official who made headlines for claiming he teleported to a Waffle House in Georgia, is leaving his post for "personal reasons," a FEMA spokesperson confirmed to KXAN.
Why this matters in The Barton Creek
The departure of Gregg Phillips from his FEMA post may have implications for disaster response efforts in the Barton Creek area. As a community prone to flash flooding and severe weather events, residents rely on effective emergency management. Phillips' unconventional comments, including the claim of teleporting to a Waffle House, raised questions about his judgment and ability to lead. With his exit, the community will be watching to see how FEMA's leadership vacuum is filled and whether the new leadership will prioritize the unique needs of the Austin area, including Barton Creek. The ability of FEMA to respond quickly and effectively to local disasters will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring resident safety. As the agency moves forward, Barton Creek residents will be looking for a renewed commitment to practical, effective disaster response and recovery efforts.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories . The Barton Creek surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Gregg Phillips, a top FEMA official who made headlines for claiming he teleported to a Waffle House in Georgia, is leaving his post for "personal reasons," a FEMA spokesperson confirmed to KXAN.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories and curated for The Barton Creek readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dieter Mouchkatine at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories. To learn more about how The Barton Creek selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Barton Creek, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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