FEMA Acting Chief Steps Down As Administration Moves To Restructure Disaster Agency

The acting chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, David Richardson, has submitted his resignation following months of public scrutiny, internal tension, and mounting concerns about his leadership. Richardson, a Homeland Security loyalist who lacked prior experience in disaster management, will step down after hurricane season, though sources tell CNN that plans were already underway to remove him from the role.

Richardson’s tenure was marked by a series of high-profile missteps, including a June meeting in which he appeared unaware that the United States has an annual hurricane season. Department of Homeland Security officials later claimed he was joking, but the moment contributed to ongoing questions about his qualifications and leadership style.

His absence during July’s catastrophic floods in Texas — which killed more than 130 people — intensified criticism. While the president and homeland security leadership visited the damaged region, Richardson remained out of public view for more than a week. Internal sources say DHS intentionally kept his trip to Texas concealed until he left the state, limiting press exposure.

According to DHS, Richardson will be replaced by Karen Evans, a close Trump administration ally and FEMA’s recently appointed chief of staff. Evans is expected to begin her new role December 1.

Richardson, a former Marine and DHS official, previously led the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office but had no background in emergency management when he was appointed in May. His predecessor, Cameron Hamilton, was removed after clashing with senior Homeland Security figures over FEMA’s future within DHS.

During his first day on the job, Richardson told FEMA employees he alone spoke for the agency and warned he would “run right over” anyone who did not follow his directives. Several officials described his leadership as abrasive, with unpredictable decision-making and frequent communication breakdowns. In one instance, he reportedly asked whether disaster funds could be directed to Republican areas but not Democratic ones.

Over time, Richardson’s authority was steadily reduced as DHS reassigned his closest allies and restricted his public presence. The department reportedly blocked him from speaking at conferences or leading public safety campaigns, citing concerns that his comments caused more harm than good.

His departure comes at a critical moment. With hurricane season ending soon, the administration is preparing to accelerate its overhaul of FEMA. A forthcoming report from the FEMA Review Council, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is expected to recommend significant structural changes.

Meanwhile, bipartisan support is growing in Congress for the FEMA Act, legislation that would remove FEMA from DHS and make it an independent agency. Noem strongly opposes the proposal.

More than a quarter of FEMA’s full-time workforce has left the agency in recent months due to layoffs, buyouts, and declining morale. Current and former officials warn that prolonged instability could jeopardize the nation’s preparedness for future disasters. This year’s unusually mild hurricane season, with no U.S. landfalls, has allowed the agency to avoid major crises — but experts say that good fortune masks deeper vulnerabilities.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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