The head of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) departed from his position on Monday after six months, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This move marks a continuation of the ongoing staff turnover, program cuts, and policy changes within the agency responsible for federal disaster response.
David Richardson, who took over the role in May following Cameron Hamilton, faced criticism for his response to the deadly Texas floods earlier this year. While the DHS did not provide a specific reason for his departure, an anonymous FEMA employee revealed to The Associated Press that Richardson had resigned.
A DHS spokesperson expressed gratitude to Richardson for his service and wished him success in his future endeavors. Richardson, a former U.S. marine officer with no prior emergency management experience, had previously led the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.
Upon assuming his position, Richardson pledged to align with President Donald Trump’s vision of transferring more disaster recovery responsibilities to states. However, his leadership was scrutinized by lawmakers and FEMA staff members for his handling of agency operations.
Karen Evans, FEMA’s chief of staff and a former cybersecurity official, is slated to take over the administrator role starting December 1. Although the law mandates emergency management experience for the FEMA administrator, the Trump administration has appointed interim leaders who do not meet these criteria.
Since the beginning of the year, significant changes have occurred within FEMA as Trump sought to revamp or potentially eliminate the agency. Staff departures and policy alterations have been notable, with a focus on reducing funding, imposing new grant requirements linked to immigration policies, and rejecting disaster declaration requests from certain states.
The DHS did not provide information on Richardson’s future role with the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. A review council chaired by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been tasked with recommending reforms for FEMA, emphasizing increased state involvement in disaster management. Expectations are for the council to deliver its proposals by December.