SAN DIEGO (AP) — The acting chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, David Richardson, has exited his position after only six months, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security. This departure adds to a series of staff changes, program reductions, and policy shifts that have troubled the agency, responsible for federal disaster response.
Richardson stepped into the role following Cameron Hamilton, who was dismissed shortly after expressing his belief against the elimination of FEMA. The DHS has not provided details regarding the reasoning behind Richardson's resignation. A spokesperson stated, 'The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security extend their sincere appreciation to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, David Richardson, for his dedicated service and wish him continued success in his return to the private sector.'
Previously a Marine Corps officer with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, Richardson took this position in May with no background in emergency management. Upon his appointment, he made a commitment to President Trump’s directive of transferring more disaster recovery roles to individual states, asserting he would 'run right over' staff who resisted this shift.
His leadership faced challenges, as both Congress members and FEMA staff raised concerns about his effectiveness. A particularly notable point was his delayed arrival in Texas after severe floods resulted in over 136 fatalities, where he justified his absence by stating he was addressing bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., despite being with his sons while managing the response from his vehicle during the 4th of July weekend.
The Washington Post was the first to report on Richardson's departure.
Richardson stepped into the role following Cameron Hamilton, who was dismissed shortly after expressing his belief against the elimination of FEMA. The DHS has not provided details regarding the reasoning behind Richardson's resignation. A spokesperson stated, 'The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security extend their sincere appreciation to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, David Richardson, for his dedicated service and wish him continued success in his return to the private sector.'
Previously a Marine Corps officer with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, Richardson took this position in May with no background in emergency management. Upon his appointment, he made a commitment to President Trump’s directive of transferring more disaster recovery roles to individual states, asserting he would 'run right over' staff who resisted this shift.
His leadership faced challenges, as both Congress members and FEMA staff raised concerns about his effectiveness. A particularly notable point was his delayed arrival in Texas after severe floods resulted in over 136 fatalities, where he justified his absence by stating he was addressing bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., despite being with his sons while managing the response from his vehicle during the 4th of July weekend.
The Washington Post was the first to report on Richardson's departure.
