POLITICO Energy Trump ousts FEMA chief as hurricane season looms
May 13, 2025
A major shakeup at FEMA raises eyebrows as a new, inexperienced official takes the helm just before hurricane season. Experts discuss the implications of this leadership change on disaster recovery efforts. Concerns grow over the Trump administration’s inconsistent messaging regarding FEMA’s future direction. Meanwhile, Republicans gear up for significant legislative moves in the House, highlighting energy and commerce discussions. The landscape of emergency management is facing transformative shifts at a critical time.
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Firing Linked to FEMA Support
- Cameron Hamilton's firing was linked to his support for FEMA and divergence from Trump's stance on abolishing it.
- Internal DHS sources cited his failure to fully back the administration's agenda to weaken FEMA.
Hamilton's Uncertain FEMA Tenure
- Cameron Hamilton served as acting FEMA administrator with a Navy SEAL background but no disaster management qualifications.
- His time led to uncertainty due to conflicting signals from Trump about FEMA's future.
New FEMA Head Lacks Disaster Experience
- David Richardson was appointed acting FEMA administrator but has no public emergency management experience.
- His background is primarily in weapons of mass destruction and military service.