Trump Replaces FEMA Chief Weeks Before Start of Hurricane Season

• Trump replaces FEMA chief weeks before storms
• FEMA leadership changes amid climate risks
• David Richardson to assume the role

Just weeks ahead of the start of hurricane season in the United States, President Donald Trump has dismissed Cameron Hamilton, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

He appointed David Richardson, an official from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as his replacement.

The change comes amid criticism of the federal disaster response and rising political tensions over FEMA’s role.

As reported by EFE.

Trump replaces FEMA chief weeks before storms

Trump’s Acting FEMA Chief Cameron Hamilton Escorted Out of HQ One Day After ‘Defying’ Plan to Abolish the Agency During Congressional Hearing
https://t.co/9Wr5br08sG
— bill (@shortman5427) May 9, 2025

Hamilton, who had only been in the role for a few months, was removed one day after testifying before Congress that eliminating FEMA would not be in the country’s best interest.

His remarks contrasted with President Trump’s stance, who has suggested that emergency management should be handled by states, not the federal government.

The dismissal was communicated through an internal email.

A method that has become standard during Trump’s second term for announcing terminations at federal agencies.

The Replacement: David Richardson

BREAKING: FEMA chief, Cameron Hamilton has been FIRED.
pic.twitter.com/d1grvdhvke
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) May 8, 2025

David Richardson, the new FEMA head, is a former Marine Corps officer.

Until now, he had served as deputy secretary at DHS in charge of countering weapons of mass destruction.

His profile aligns more closely with the current administration.

Which raises concerns about the politicization of emergency leadership ahead of a critical climate season.

Criticism from Congress

NEW: Today Donald Trump fired Cameron Hamilton, the acting administrator of FEMA, because of this statement he made yesterday at a House hearing:
“I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency”
pic.twitter.com/xfb8fm8piz
— Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) May 9, 2025

Democratic Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro harshly criticized the decision of President Trump to replace Hamilton:

“The Trump administration must explain why it fires anyone who doesn’t show blind loyalty.”

DeLauro was one of the legislators who questioned Hamilton during his hearing on Wednesday.

As reported by EFE.

Why It Matters

Hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through November.

In 2024, natural disasters caused 421 deaths, including 304 from hurricanes and storms, according to Climate Power.

A leadership change at FEMA at this moment raises concern about the federal government’s ability to respond to imminent emergencies.

ALSO READ: First Storm of the 2025 Hurricane Season May Form Sooner Than Expected