FEMA Chief Dismissed Just a Day After Challenging Agency’s Survival

The Trump administration has removed Cam Hamilton from his position as the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), replacing him with David Richardson. This change comes just a day after Hamilton testified before Congress regarding the agency’s size and role.

Both President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have expressed interest in potentially dissolving FEMA. In response, Trump has established a FEMA reform council to evaluate the agency’s functions. During his congressional testimony, Hamilton argued against eliminating FEMA, stating it would not serve the best interests of the American public.

Hamilton emphasized that decisions of such magnitude should be deliberated between the president and Congress. He has a military background, having served as a Navy Seal and combat medic, and noted that serving in the Trump administration was a high honor for him.

A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed Hamilton’s departure but did not provide details on the reasons for the personnel shift. In the same communication, it was stated that David Richardson would take over as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator.

Richardson previously held the position of Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, specifically overseeing the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office since January.