The acting head of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has stepped down after a brief six-month tenure, reported the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This departure marks another change in a tumultuous year for the agency, which has witnessed numerous staff exits, program reductions, and policy shifts. David Richardson, who took over from the previous acting chief Cameron Hamilton in May, faced criticism for his response to the deadly Texas floods earlier this year. Although the DHS did not provide a specific reason for his resignation, an anonymous FEMA employee confirmed to The Associated Press that Richardson had resigned. The DHS expressed gratitude to Richardson for his service and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Former U.S. marine officer Richardson, who had experience in Iraq and Afghanistan and had led the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, lacked prior emergency management background before assuming the FEMA role in May. Upon his appointment, Richardson pledged to support President Donald Trump’s objective of transferring more disaster recovery responsibilities to the states and made it clear to FEMA employees that he would not tolerate any obstruction to this mission.
Despite Richardson’s intentions, his leadership was scrutinized by lawmakers and FEMA staff. Questions were raised about his delayed presence on the ground following the fatal July floods in Texas, where he explained that he was addressing bureaucratic hurdles in Washington, D.C. Richardson also faced criticism for initially managing the response from his vehicle while camping with his sons during the floods. Moreover, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem tightened control over FEMA programs and spending, personally approving any expenditure exceeding $100,000 US. Richardson refuted claims that this approval process hindered FEMA’s response in Texas.
Karen Evans, the current FEMA chief of staff and a former cybersecurity official, will assume the role on December 1, as confirmed by the DHS. While the law mandates that the FEMA administrator possess emergency management experience, the Trump administration has appointed interim leaders without meeting this requirement. Since Trump’s return to office in January, FEMA has witnessed significant changes, with a notable percentage of permanent employees departing by June, including senior-level staff. The administration has also reduced mitigation funding, imposed immigration-related conditions on preparedness grants, and rejected multiple states’ major disaster declaration appeals.
The DHS did not provide details on whether Richardson would continue leading the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. President Trump established a review council, led by Noem and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, comprising 12 members to propose reforms for FEMA and advocate for increased state responsibility in disaster management. The council is expected to present its recommendations in December.
