FEMA Acting Chief David Richardson Resigns After Six Months

Amidst ongoing turbulence at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Acting Administrator David Richardson has announced his resignation after just six months on the job. The departure marks another significant leadership shakeup for the critical disaster response agency, which has faced heightened scrutiny during a year of mass staff departures, program cuts, and policy shifts.

Timeline of a Turbulent Tenure

Richardson was appointed in May 2025 following the abrupt firing of previous acting administrator Cameron Hamilton, who had clashed with President Trump's vision for downsizing or dissolving FEMA. In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Richardson defended his decision to step up when others hesitated: "I agreed to be the acting administrator through hurricane season when others wouldn't. Hurricane season ends on December 1. Since the danger has largely passed, I can now leave for other opportunities."

Achievements Amid Controversy

During his brief tenure, Richardson secured historic disaster funding for multiple states, including North Carolina, Texas, Florida, New Mexico, and Alaska. He also spearheaded an internal review that identified and eliminated governmental waste while refocusing the agency's resources for faster crisis response. Yet his leadership faced persistent challenges:

• Texas Flood Response: Richardson faced criticism during July's deadly Texas flooding, where he was vacationing but maintained coordination efforts remotely. "I was on the phone from the moment the floods struck," Richardson stated, though Democratic lawmakers like Rep. Greg Stanton accused him of failing to lead effectively.
• Hurricane Season Remarks: In June, Richardson's comment that he was "unaware" hurricane season had begun sparked bipartisan outrage. The Department of Homeland Security later clarified he was joking, but Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for his firing, saying he was "incompetent."

"I didn't hesitate. It was the same in 2006 during the worst days of Iraq and the streets of Ramadi. Nobody wanted to train and fight alongside the Iraqis. I said, 'I'll do it.'"
— David Richardson, ABC News interview

What's Next for FEMA?

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that FEMA Chief of Staff Karen Evans will assume the role of acting administrator on December 1. Richardson's departure comes as FEMA contends with an internal review from mid-May that flagged the agency as "not ready" for the 2025 hurricane season—a claim DHS officials vehemently denied.

"Despite meanspirited attempts to falsely frame a joke as policy, there is no uncertainty about what FEMA will be doing this Hurricane Season," a DHS spokesperson stated. "FEMA is laser-focused on disaster response and protecting the American people."

Richardson's resignation underscores the broader instability at FEMA, which has seen multiple leadership changes and policy upheavals since the new administration took office. As the agency transitions, questions remain about its preparedness for future disasters and the viability of its current operational structure.