In a sudden turn of events at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton faced immediate dismissal following his stance against the proposed elimination of FEMA.
According to Fox News, Hamilton's removal came just one day after he testified before lawmakers, expressing his opposition to President Donald Trump's proposed plans to dismantle the federal agency.
The leadership change was confirmed by a FEMA spokesperson, who announced that David Richardson would take over as the Senior Official Performing the duties of the FEMA Administrator. Hamilton, a former Navy hospital corpsman who served with SEAL Team 8, had been leading the agency since January 2025.
During a January visit to North Carolina, President Trump unveiled his intentions to fundamentally reform or possibly eliminate FEMA. The visit, which took place more than 120 days after Hurricane Helene struck the state, provided Trump with a platform to criticize the agency's performance.
Trump's statement during the North Carolina visit clearly outlined his position on FEMA's future. As reported by Hamilton during his testimony, the proposed changes would significantly impact the agency's ability to serve the American people.
Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Troy Edgar and Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski delivered the news of Hamilton's dismissal during a meeting at Homeland Security headquarters on Thursday morning.
During his appearance before the House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday, Hamilton made his position clear regarding the proposed elimination of FEMA. His testimony directly contradicted the administration's stance.
Hamilton's testimony highlighted the critical role FEMA plays in disaster response and emergency management across the United States. The former acting administrator emphasized the potential risks of dismantling the agency.
Both Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump have expressed support for the elimination of FEMA, setting up a clear conflict with Hamilton's position.
Trump's commitment to reforming FEMA became evident during his North Carolina visit, where he announced plans to sign an executive order initiating the process. The president's criticism of the agency's performance has been consistent throughout his administration.
The proposed changes to FEMA align with broader administrative reforms being implemented across various federal agencies. These modifications reflect the administration's approach to restructuring government organizations.
The timing of Hamilton's dismissal, occurring immediately after his congressional testimony, has drawn attention to the administration's swift response to dissenting voices within federal agencies.
Cameron Hamilton's departure from FEMA marks a significant shift in the agency's leadership amid ongoing discussions about its future. The former acting administrator's removal after serving since January 2025 highlights the tensions between agency officials and administration policies. David Richardson now faces the challenge of leading FEMA during a period of potential restructuring and uncertainty. The agency continues to manage disaster response efforts while awaiting further details about the administration's reform plans.
