SAN DIEGO (AP) — David Richardson, the acting chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has officially left his position after just six months, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His resignation follows a year of significant staffing changes, program reductions, and shifting policies within the agency responsible for federal disaster management.
Richardson took over the role after previous acting head Cameron Hamilton was dismissed shortly after questioning FEMA's potential elimination during a House appropriations meeting. DHS did not provide any specific reasons for Richardson’s departure, but a spokesperson expressed gratitude for his service, wishing him well as he returns to the private sector.
A former Marine Corps officer with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, Richardson had no prior background in emergency management when he assumed leadership of FEMA in May. Upon his appointment, he reaffirmed his commitment to President Donald Trump's strategy of delegating more disaster recovery responsibilities to the states, stating he would not tolerate any obstruction from within FEMA.
Despite these ambitions, Richardson faced considerable skepticism regarding his effectiveness from both Congress members and FEMA staff. He received criticism during a House committee session regarding his delayed response to July floods in Texas that claimed at least 136 lives. While he attributed his absence to a need to tackle bureaucratic issues from Washington, he also noted that he was camping with his children as the crisis unfolded.
The Washington Post first reported on Richardson's departure, leaving many to wonder about the implications for FEMA’s future as it navigates the challenges posed by ongoing natural disasters.}
Richardson took over the role after previous acting head Cameron Hamilton was dismissed shortly after questioning FEMA's potential elimination during a House appropriations meeting. DHS did not provide any specific reasons for Richardson’s departure, but a spokesperson expressed gratitude for his service, wishing him well as he returns to the private sector.
A former Marine Corps officer with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, Richardson had no prior background in emergency management when he assumed leadership of FEMA in May. Upon his appointment, he reaffirmed his commitment to President Donald Trump's strategy of delegating more disaster recovery responsibilities to the states, stating he would not tolerate any obstruction from within FEMA.
Despite these ambitions, Richardson faced considerable skepticism regarding his effectiveness from both Congress members and FEMA staff. He received criticism during a House committee session regarding his delayed response to July floods in Texas that claimed at least 136 lives. While he attributed his absence to a need to tackle bureaucratic issues from Washington, he also noted that he was camping with his children as the crisis unfolded.
The Washington Post first reported on Richardson's departure, leaving many to wonder about the implications for FEMA’s future as it navigates the challenges posed by ongoing natural disasters.}
