FEMA Boss Fired After Remarks To Congress
As he exited his role, the now-dismissed acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cameron Hamilton, defended the agency’s disaster response efforts during the previous administration while also delivering pointed criticism toward the current leadership under Donald Trump.
Hamilton was summoned to the Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he was informed of his dismissal by Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Troy Edgar and senior presidential adviser Corey Lewandowski, according to reports citing a source familiar with the matter. His removal came just one day after he testified before a House Appropriations subcommittee, where his comments appeared to contradict statements from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem regarding the potential elimination of FEMA and shifting disaster funding to state-level agencies.
During the hearing, Hamilton expressed clear opposition to dismantling FEMA. “I do not believe it is in the best interests of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” he told lawmakers. Shortly afterward, FEMA’s press office confirmed his departure, announcing that David Richardson would assume leadership duties. Richardson previously served as assistant secretary in the Department of Homeland Security’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.
According to reports, Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL, had considered resigning roughly two months earlier as the new administration began taking shape but ultimately decided to remain after encouragement from FEMA staff.
The leadership shakeup follows broader changes within the agency. Earlier, the Department of Homeland Security dismissed four FEMA officials over what officials described as an “egregious” payment related to housing migrants in New York City. DHS officials stated that employees had bypassed leadership to authorize hotel accommodations.
The controversy intensified after Elon Musk posted on X that the Department of Government Efficiency team identified $59 million sent to New York City hotels to house migrants. Musk argued the funds were intended for disaster relief and said efforts would be made to recover the money.
The developments come as Trump continues to push for sweeping FEMA reforms. During a visit to North Carolina, where residents were still recovering from Hurricane Helene, Trump suggested restructuring—or potentially eliminating—the agency altogether. He criticized FEMA’s performance and pledged faster, more effective recovery efforts.
Trump also emphasized shifting greater responsibility to states, arguing local governments could respond more quickly and at lower cost. He indicated plans to work with lawmakers from affected areas, asserting that state-led disaster response could improve efficiency and reduce expenses while accelerating recovery timelines.