...
By Jenna Sundel and Gabe Whisnant
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was thrown into upheaval on Thursday, just weeks ahead of the official start of hurricane season, as its acting administrator, Cameron Hamilton, was abruptly ousted and replaced by another senior official from the Department of Homeland Security.
Why It Matters
The leadership shakeup came just one day after Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL serving as FEMA's acting chief for the past several months, testified before Congress in defense of the agency's continued role in national disaster preparedness and recovery.
Read More
Ex-Biden Fundraiser Says She Has ‘Agony’ Over Not Speaking Up on Decline5 min read
Family With 2 US Citizen Children Deported by ICE After Traffic Stop5 min read
Social Security, Medicare Cuts Face Massive Opposition in Deep Red State4 min read
"I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency," Hamilton told lawmakers on Wednesday, rejecting recent proposals to dismantle or severely curtail FEMA's responsibilities.
President Donald Trump has voiced skepticism about FEMA's purpose, arguing that states should take the lead in responding to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other emergencies. He has also repeatedly criticized the agency's performance—particularly in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene—claiming it failed to meet expectations during the recovery effort.
...
What To Know
David Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa, was named the new leader of FEMA. He currently serves as the Department of Homeland Security's assistant secretary for countering weapons of mass destruction. He does not appear to have prior experience in managing natural disasters.
FEMA staff were told about the change in leadership via email.
Trump created a review council last month with the objective of "reforming and streamlining the nation's emergency management and disaster response system," according to the Department of Homeland Security.
What People Are Saying
Former FEMA acting administrator Cameron Hamilton, when asked how he felt about plans to eliminate FEMA on Wednesday: "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. That is a conversation that should be had between the president of the United States and this governing body."
Connecticut Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro, in a statement: "The Trump administration must explain why he has been removed from this position. Integrity and morality should not cost you your job."
What Happens Next
The change in leadership comes shortly before the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on June 1 and runs through November 30.
This story includes reporting by the Associated Press
Update 5/8/25, 5:04 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines