Trump Appointee Faces Scrutiny Over Teleportation Claims

Gregg Phillips, named to FEMA role, says he was 'involuntarily teleported' to distant locations.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:03am

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Gregg Phillips, a Trump appointee as associate administrator for FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery, is drawing criticism for repeatedly claiming he was 'involuntarily teleported' to locations dozens of miles from where he started. Beyond the teleportation allegations, Phillips has also promoted election fraud conspiracy theories and suggested violence against President Biden.

Why it matters

Phillips' unsubstantiated teleportation claims and extremist rhetoric raise concerns about his ability to effectively manage disaster response and recovery efforts at FEMA. His appointment highlights the broader issue of political figures with fringe beliefs being placed in positions of authority.

The details

Phillips told podcast hosts that he ended up at a Waffle House in Rome, Georgia, 50 miles from his starting point, insisting the experience was 'real' despite being impossible. He also described how his car was 'lifted up' and dropped in a ditch outside a church in Albany, Georgia. Phillips defended the claims on Truth Social, stating, 'I have no regrets for my words nor my faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ.' Beyond the teleportation allegations, Phillips promoted election fraud conspiracy theories and said former President Biden 'deserves to die.'

  • In April 2026, Phillips made the teleportation claims on a podcast.

The players

Gregg Phillips

President Donald Trump's appointee as associate administrator for FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery, who lacks formal disaster management experience but has made unsubstantiated claims of being 'involuntarily teleported' to distant locations.

Senator Mazie Hirono

A Democratic senator from Hawaii who criticized Phillips' appointment, stating, 'You'd think we could find people grounded in reality to run our government programs.'

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What they’re saying

“I have no regrets for my words nor my faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ. The Bible has many examples of the power of God.”

— Gregg Phillips, FEMA Appointee

“You'd think we could find people grounded in reality to run our government programs.”

— Senator Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The Senate will likely scrutinize Phillips' qualifications and fitness for the FEMA role during his confirmation process.

The takeaway

The appointment of Gregg Phillips, who has made unsubstantiated claims of teleportation and promoted extremist views, to a key FEMA position raises concerns about the placement of individuals with fringe beliefs in positions of authority, which can undermine public trust and effective disaster response.