Top US FEMA Official Alleges Involuntary Teleportation to Waffle House
Gregg Phillips, the director of the Office of Response and Recovery at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has made startling claims about being teleported to a Waffle House diner in Georgia. Appointed in December, Phillips discussed these experiences on multiple podcasts, including an episode in January 2025, where he described being transported against his will over significant distances.
Details of the Alleged Teleportation Incidents
On the podcast Onward, co-hosted by right-wing activist Catherine Engelbrecht, Phillips recounted two specific instances. In one, he claimed his car was lifted while driving and moved 40 miles into a ditch near a church. In another, he said he was teleported 50 miles to a Waffle House in Rome, Georgia, shortly after telling friends he was going to get food. Phillips emphasized the reality of these events, stating, "It was possible. It was real." However, he warned that teleportation is "no fun," describing it as an uncontrollable and adventurous experience.
Background and Controversial Statements
Phillips, a former far-right conspiracy theorist, has a history of making controversial remarks. In other podcast appearances, he suggested that Covid-19 and its vaccine were designed to kill people and alleged that Department of Homeland Security officials were planning another assassination attempt on Donald Trump after a failed one in 2024. These statements have raised concerns about his suitability for a high-ranking role in FEMA, the primary US agency for disaster response and preparedness under the Department of Homeland Security.
FEMA's Response and Role of Waffle House
FEMA responded to inquiries about Phillips' claims by dismissing them as "so silly it's barely worth acknowledging." The agency stated that Phillips' comments were taken out of context or represented personal, informal discussions made prior to his appointment, often in a spiritual context after surviving cancer. Waffle House, an iconic 24/7 diner chain, has been cited by former FEMA administrator Craig Fugate as an indicator of disaster severity, with closures signaling serious emergencies.
As director of FEMA's largest division, Phillips is responsible for recommending federal disaster declarations and aid, a critical role in national emergency management. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about the appointment of individuals with fringe beliefs to key governmental positions.
