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.

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.

President Donald Trump’s acting Federal Emergency Management Agency chief reportedly told staff he did not know that the United States has a hurricane season, but officials claim the statement was simply a joke.