Acting FEMA head David Richardson resigns after six months in office
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FEMA’s acting administrator David Richardson has stepped down after six months, amid internal dysfunction and broader efforts by the Trump administration to restructure or eliminate the agency.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters is photographed in Washington, May 5, 2025. (AP)
Acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), David Richardson, has resigned from his post after just six months in the role, The Washington Post reported on Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Richardson, who took over following the ousting of former FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, maintained a notably low profile during his time at the agency. According to current FEMA staff, he participated infrequently in operational meetings and expressed little interest in carrying out the full duties of his role.
In one such meeting, Richardson reportedly indicated that he did not expect to remain in the position beyond December.
FEMA’s future uncertain amid Trump-era reform push
The resignation comes amid broader uncertainty about FEMA’s future. In January, US President Donald Trump called the agency "too expensive" and questioned its utility, raising concerns about its continued operation.
While the administration later appeared to backtrack, NBC News reported in May that efforts were underway to retain key FEMA staff to ensure preparedness ahead of the hurricane season.
Calls to restructure agency into “responsive” body
In July, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed Trump’s earlier sentiments, stating that FEMA should be eliminated in its current form and rebuilt as a “responsive agency” better suited to future emergencies.
Richardson’s departure is the latest in a series of leadership changes within the agency, further complicating efforts to define its long-term role under the current administration.
