The Federal Emergency Management Agency has reinstated at least 15 employees who were previously placed on indefinite leave after signing an open letter critical of the Trump administration.

The employees had signed what was called the "Katrina Declaration," an open letter that expressed criticism of the previous administration's policies. Following their decision to sign the letter, the staffers were placed on indefinite leave from their positions at the federal emergency management agency.

Abby McIlraith, one of the employees who signed the letter, confirmed the reinstatements in a message, stating "We have been reinstated." McIlraith indicated she feels "vindicated" by the decision to restore the employees to their positions.

The reinstatements represent a reversal of the previous administration's response to the employees' public criticism. The timing of the reinstatements suggests they occurred following the change in federal leadership, though specific details about the reinstatement process have not been disclosed.

FEMA has not provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding either the original placement on leave or the recent reinstatements of the employees involved.