FEMA's Acting Chief David Richardson Resigns After Six Months Amid Controversy

Tue Nov 18 2025 02:05:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

David Richardson has left his position as acting chief of FEMA after just six months, marking a year of significant upheaval within the agency responsible for federal disaster response.

David Richardson's resignation comes during a tumultuous period for FEMA, which has faced mass staff departures and changes in policy. His term was marked by questions over his leadership effectiveness and critical responses to disaster management issues, particularly the handling of recent Texas floods. The DHS has acknowledged his service while Richardson transitions back to the private sector.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The acting chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency left his job Monday after just six months, according to the Department of Homeland Security, the latest disruption in a year of mass staff departures, program cuts and policy upheaval at the agency charged with managing federal disaster response.

David Richardson is leaving the post after replacing previous acting chief Cameron Hamilton. DHS did not provide a comment on the reasons behind his departure.

“The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security extend their sincere appreciation to David Richardson for his dedicated service and wish him continued success in his return to the private sector,” said a DHS spokesperson.

Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer with no prior emergency management experience, was appointed as senior official performing the duties of administrator in May. His term followed the abrupt dismissal of Hamilton, who was removed just after expressing to Congress that he believed FEMA should remain intact.

Upon taking charge, Richardson backed President Trump's agenda to shift more disaster recovery responsibilities onto states and warned FEMA staff against obstructing this initiative. Yet, his capability as a leader faced scrutiny from both Congress and FEMA employees.

In response to inquiries from House committee members regarding his delayed arrival in Texas after July floods that claimed 136 lives, Richardson cited his initial location in Washington, D.C. to manage bureaucratic challenges and admitted he was on a camping trip with his sons during the critical moments of the disaster.

The Washington Post was the first to report on Richardson's resignation.