The head of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stepped down from his position on Monday after just six months, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This marks the latest in a series of changes at the agency, characterized by staff turnover, program reductions, and policy shifts related to federal disaster response management.
David Richardson, who maintained a low public profile during his brief tenure, is resigning following criticism of his management of the fatal floods in Texas earlier this year. He took over the role from the previous acting chief, Cameron Hamilton, in May.
While the DHS did not provide an official reason for Richardson’s departure, an anonymous FEMA employee disclosed to The Associated Press that Richardson had submitted his resignation. A DHS spokesperson expressed gratitude for Richardson’s service and wished him success in his future endeavors.
A former U.S. marine officer with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, Richardson lacked prior emergency management background before assuming the position in May. Upon succeeding Hamilton, who was dismissed a day after expressing opposition to FEMA’s elimination, Richardson pledged to support President Donald Trump’s initiative to transfer more disaster recovery responsibilities to states and warned FEMA staff of his determination to overcome any hindrances to that objective.
Despite Richardson’s assurances, lawmakers and FEMA personnel raised concerns about his effectiveness in leading the agency. Criticism arose over his delayed response to the Texas floods, with Richardson explaining his absence on the ground by stating he was in Washington, D.C., addressing bureaucratic challenges. Additionally, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem imposed stringent oversight on FEMA expenditures, with personal approval required for outlays exceeding $100,000 US.
Karen Evans, FEMA’s chief of staff and a former cybersecurity official, is set to assume the role on December 1, as announced by the DHS. While the FEMA administrator is mandated to possess emergency management expertise by law, temporary leaders have been appointed by the Trump administration, circumventing this requirement.
Since Trump’s reelection in January, promising significant agency reforms, FEMA has experienced substantial internal changes. By June, approximately 18% of the agency’s permanent staff had departed, including 24 senior-level employees. The administration has also reduced mitigation funding, imposed conditions on preparedness grants linked to immigration policies, and rejected several states’ requests for disaster declarations.
An appointed council, headed by Noem and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, aims to propose recommendations for FEMA reform and the decentralization of disaster response responsibilities to states. Expected to deliver its findings in December, the council is part of the administration’s broader efforts to reshape the agency’s operations.