The acting head of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has stepped down from his position after a short tenure of six months, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This departure adds to the ongoing series of staff exits, budget cuts, and policy changes within the federal disaster response agency. David Richardson, who took over from his predecessor Cameron Hamilton in May, faced criticism for his management of the fatal floods in Texas earlier this year.
The DHS did not disclose the specific reason for Richardson’s resignation, but an anonymous FEMA employee revealed to The Associated Press that Richardson had indeed resigned. The agency thanked Richardson for his service, wishing him success in his future endeavors as he returns to the private sector.
A former U.S. marine officer with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, Richardson, who previously led the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, lacked prior emergency management background before assuming the FEMA role. Upon his appointment, Richardson expressed commitment to President Donald Trump’s objective of shifting more disaster response responsibilities to the states, emphasizing his determination to overcome any hindrances within FEMA that opposed this mission.
Despite Richardson’s intentions, concerns arose among lawmakers and FEMA personnel regarding his leadership effectiveness. Questions were raised about his delayed on-site response to the Texas floods, where Richardson explained his absence by citing bureaucratic challenges and initial involvement from his vehicle.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem maintained strict control over FEMA operations and expenditures, requiring personal approval for any outlay exceeding $100,000. Richardson refuted claims that this policy hindered FEMA’s Texas flood response.
Karen Evans, FEMA’s chief of staff and former cybersecurity official, is set to assume the administrator role on December 1, following Richardson’s departure. While the law mandates emergency management experience for the FEMA administrator, temporary leaders have been appointed by the Trump administration, bypassing this requirement.
The agency has experienced significant turmoil since Trump’s return to office, marked by a notable exodus of permanent employees and senior staff. Mitigation funding cuts, immigration-related conditions on preparedness grants, and refusals of disaster declaration requests from certain states have characterized the administration’s approach to FEMA.
A review council, chaired by Noem and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been tasked by Trump to propose reforms for FEMA, emphasizing increased state responsibility in disaster preparedness and response. The council is expected to present its recommendations in December.