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2w ago

Acting FEMA Chief David Richardson Resigns After Six Months

DHS tapped Chief of Staff Karen Evans to take over on Dec. 1 during a wider restructuring of the agency.

U.S. Acting Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) David Richardson testifies before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on improving disaster response, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 23, 2025.
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Overview

  • The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Richardson’s resignation on Nov. 17 after roughly six months in the role, with news reports saying he submitted a two‑week notice ahead of an expected ouster.
  • FEMA Chief of Staff Karen Evans will serve as acting administrator starting Dec. 1 as the administration awaits the FEMA Review Council’s recommendations on reorganization.
  • Richardson faced heavy criticism over the July Texas Hill Country floods, with multiple reports that he was unreachable for many hours while on vacation as more than 130 people died.
  • A former DHS counter–weapons official with no emergency‑management experience, he drew internal backlash for comments to staff during a period of significant workforce losses documented by the GAO.
  • DHS praised his tenure for delivering disaster funds and pursuing efficiency reviews, while Richardson told ABC News he agreed to serve through hurricane season and is now departing for other opportunities.