The acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency was forced out Thursday, just weeks before hurricane season, as President Trump pushes ahead with plans to restructure the country’s emergency response system.
Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL who had led FEMA for several months, was removed one day after telling lawmakers he opposed proposals to dismantle the agency. “I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” Hamilton said during testimony before a House Appropriations subcommittee.
Hamilton will be replaced by David Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer and current assistant secretary for countering weapons of mass destruction at the Department of Homeland Security. Richardson will serve as acting administrator.
Trump has repeatedly criticized FEMA’s performance, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, and has argued that individual states should take the lead on managing disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. In January, he signed an executive order forming a 13-member council to review and reform the nation’s disaster response system. That panel is chaired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Hamilton, while critical of FEMA’s growing role in handling emergencies he described as “minor,” stood by the agency’s continued existence. When pressed by Rep. Rosa DeLauro on whether he supported dismantling FEMA, Hamilton said the decision should ultimately rest with the president and Congress.
“I’m not in a position to make decisions and impact outcomes on whether or not a determination such as consequential as that should be made,” he said.
