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Acting FEMA Chief David Richardson Resigns, Karen Evans to Take Over Dec. 1

The resignation caps a turbulent six months as DHS prepares a report-driven plan to restructure FEMA.

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

  • Richardson submitted his resignation with roughly two weeks’ notice after reporting that the administration was preparing to oust him.
  • DHS confirmed that FEMA Chief of Staff Karen Evans will become acting administrator on Dec. 1.
  • A DHS statement said the forthcoming FEMA Review Council report will guide an effort to fundamentally restructure the agency.
  • Richardson drew heavy criticism over the July Texas floods, with staff saying he was unreachable for about 24 hours while on vacation, and he had no prior emergency-management experience.
  • FEMA has endured deep workforce reductions and internal dissent this year, including an open letter signed by nearly 200 employees and increased DHS controls on agency spending.