US EditionFEMA head ousted one day after saying eliminating agency not in public’s interest
- Cameron Hamilton was dismissed as acting FEMA administrator on May 8, 2025, one day after testifying against abolishing the agency before a House subcommittee in Washington.
- Hamilton’s firing followed his statement opposing FEMA’s elimination, while President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have suggested shrinking or abolishing FEMA.
- David Richardson, a former Marine officer with no natural disaster management experience, was appointed acting FEMA administrator and held a Friday staff meeting warning against resistance to impending policy changes.
- Richardson declared, "Now this is the tough part," and said, "Don't get in my way if you're those 20% of the people," adding, "I will run right over you," while forecasting increased cost-sharing responsibilities for states.
- Richardson’s leadership arrives amid agency turmoil and ahead of hurricane season, signaling a mission analysis aimed at reducing inefficiencies and shifting more disaster recovery costs to states.
226 Articles
226 Articles
‘Don’t get in my way,’ the new acting FEMA head warns in call with staff
WASHINGTON — The new head of the federal agency tasked with responding to disasters across the country warned staff in a meeting Friday not to try to impede upcoming changes, saying that “I will run right over you” while also suggesting policy changes that would push more responsibilities to the states.
Trump administration replaces FEMA acting administrator with retired Marine
President Donald Trump’s administration changed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s acting administrator on shift to states for disaster response. The Department of Homeland Security fired Cameron Hamilton Thursday after he contradicted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s suggestion to eliminate FEMA.“I do not believe it is in the best interests of the American people,” Hamilton said Wednesday before the House Appropriations subcommittee.White Hou…
Acting Head of FEMA Ousted as Trump Seemingly Moves to Eliminate the Agency - Inside Climate News
Already significantly understaffed, the emergency response agency has experienced layoffs and funding cuts under Trump just as an “above average” wildfire season approaches. One environmentalist called the prospect terrifying.
President Trump makes FEMA leadership changes weeks before hurricane season
During his first all-staff meeting, David Richardson reportedly warned employees against resisting change, stating, "I will run right over you," according to the Associated Press. He promised to carry out the president's agenda, likening it to leading Marines into combat.
New FEMA chief tells staff he ‘will run right over’ anyone in the way of changes
The new head of the federal agency tasked with responding to disasters across the country warned staff in a meeting Friday not to try to impede upcoming changes, saying that “I will run right over you” while also suggesting policy changes that would push more responsibilities to the states.
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