The head of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stepped down from his position on Monday after six months, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This change is part of a series of staff departures, program reductions, and policy shifts that have occurred at FEMA, the agency responsible for overseeing federal disaster response.
David Richardson, who took over the role in May following Cameron Hamilton’s departure, faced criticism for his management of the fatal Texas floods earlier in the year. While the DHS did not provide a specific reason for Richardson’s resignation, an anonymous FEMA employee disclosed to The Associated Press that Richardson had resigned.
A DHS spokesperson expressed gratitude to David Richardson for his service and wished him success in his future endeavors. Richardson, a former U.S. marine officer with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, lacked prior emergency management background when he assumed the FEMA role.
Upon assuming office, Richardson aimed to align with President Donald Trump’s objective of shifting more disaster recovery responsibilities to the states. However, his leadership was questioned by lawmakers and FEMA personnel. Despite denying reports that FEMA’s response in Texas was delayed due to approval policies, Richardson faced scrutiny for his handling of the agency.
Karen Evans, FEMA’s chief of staff and former cybersecurity official, is set to take over the position on December 1. While the FEMA administrator is legally required to have emergency management expertise, the Trump administration has appointed temporary leaders who do not meet this criterion.
Since Trump’s return to office earlier in the year, FEMA has experienced significant changes. There has been a notable exodus of permanent employees, including senior-level staff. The administration has also reduced mitigation funding, imposed immigration-related prerequisites on preparedness grants, and rejected multiple states’ disaster declaration requests.
A review council led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been tasked with proposing reforms for FEMA and advocating for greater state involvement in disaster planning and response. The council is expected to present its recommendations in December.