Richardson is the second interim official US President Donald Trump has appointed to guide FEMA for the reason that begin of his second time period.
Printed On 17 Nov 2025
David Richardson, the appearing head of the Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA), is stepping down, in line with the Division of Homeland Safety (DHS).
Monday’s announcement ends a troubled tenure. It comes simply six months after Richardson took the job and whereas the Atlantic hurricane season remains to be beneath means.
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Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer, is the second FEMA head to depart or be fired since Might. He departs amid criticism that he stored a low profile in the course of the lethal Texas floods in July that killed 130 individuals and baffled workers in June when he mentioned he was unaware the nation had a hurricane season.
A DHS spokesperson gave no causes for why the FEMA chief was departing. The Washington Submit was the primary to report that Richardson was leaving.
The DHS spokesperson mentioned in a press release that FEMA chief of workers Karen Evans will exchange Richardson, and that FEMA and DHS recognize Richardson’s service.
Richardson’s predecessor, Cameron Hamilton, was fired in Might, after pushing again in opposition to efforts beneath President Donald Trump to dismantle the agency.
President Trump has mentioned he desires to significantly cut back the dimensions of FEMA — the federal company accountable for getting ready for and responding to pure disasters — saying state governments can deal with lots of its capabilities.
FEMA performs a central position within the US response to main disasters, together with hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season is because of finish this month.
Richardson stored a low public profile in contrast with FEMA leaders beneath earlier presidents, showing hardly ever in public. Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem has served because the face of the administration’s response to pure disasters throughout Trump’s second time period.
Richardson’s abrupt departure is an ignominious finish for an official who instructed workers when he first arrived in Might that he would “run right over” anybody who resists adjustments and that each one selections should now undergo him.
“I, and I alone in FEMA, communicate for FEMA,” he mentioned on the time.
FEMA has lost about 2,500 employees since January by means of buyouts, firings and different incentives for employees to stop, lowering its total dimension to about 23,350, in line with a September Authorities Accountability Workplace report.
The cuts are a part of Trump’s broader push to chop the price and dimension of the federal civilian workforce.
