In a meeting with FEMA staff, David Richardson said he was unaware the United States had a hurricane season. Two staff members said it was unclear if he was serious, but the agency said he was joking.

A Marine Corps veteran, Richardson started leading FEMA early in May. His comment on hurricane season came amid concerns about how the departure of top FEMA officials, lay-offs and budget reductions will leave the agency unfit to do their job.

David Richardson’s comment to staff that he was unaware the United States had a hurricane season was meant in jest, the Department of Homeland Security said.