Overview

• Cameron Hamilton, the acting FEMA administrator, was fired on May 8, 2025, following his congressional testimony opposing the elimination of FEMA.
• Hamilton stated during his testimony that dismantling FEMA was not in the best interest of the American people, diverging from the administration’s position.
• President Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem have publicly supported eliminating FEMA and shifting disaster response responsibilities to individual states.
• David Richardson, a senior Department of Homeland Security official, has been appointed to replace Hamilton as the senior official performing the duties of FEMA administrator.
• The leadership change comes just weeks before the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, raising concerns about FEMA’s preparedness during a critical period.