Fri, May 9, 2026:
New acting FEMA leader David Richardson issued a brash declaration to staff that he would temporarily take over every decision at the agency, including on spending, and “run right over” anyone who opposed him, reported Reuters.
Thursday, May 8, 2025:
Trump fired FEMA Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton who—when answering a question at a congressional hearing—said he believes the disaster response agency, which distributes $45 billion per year to states and individuals, should not be eliminated. He was replaced by a Trump administration official, David Richardson, with no disaster response experience. With wildfire and hurricane season approaching, the Administration has yet to nominate a FEMA Administrator (who is required by law to have state emergency management experience).