Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Richardson resigned Monday after six months in the role. Richardson stepped in last May after the firing of former acting administrator Cameron Hamilton, who had clashed with the administration over suggestions that FEMA should be downsized or dissolved. Richardson also oversaw the Department of Homeland Security’s countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office.
Richardson Says He Served Through Hurricane Season
In an exclusive statement to ABC News, Richardson said he agreed to take on the role when others would not, just weeks before hurricane season began.
“I agreed to be the acting administrator through hurricane season when others wouldn’t. Hurricane season ends on 1 December. Since the danger has largely passed, I can now leave for other opportunities,” Richardson said. He added that stepping into tough situations has defined his career, recalling his service in Iraq: “Nobody wanted to train and fight alongside the Iraqis. I said, ‘I’ll do it.'”
DHS Confirms Departure, Names Interim Replacement
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Richardson’s resignation and announced that FEMA Chief of Staff Karen Evans will assume the role starting Dec. 1.
A DHS spokesperson thanked Richardson for his leadership during the 2025 hurricane season, noting he delivered historic funding to states including North Carolina, Texas, Florida, New Mexico and Alaska, and led a review that cut waste and improved efficiency across the agency.
Criticism Over Disaster Response
Richardson faced pushback throughout his tenure. After deadly flooding in Texas in July, Democratic lawmakers criticized FEMA’s response. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., accused Richardson of failing to lead during the crisis.
Richardson was on vacation during the flooding, but testified that he coordinated response efforts from his truck before returning to Washington. Sources close to him maintain he remained engaged throughout the disaster.
Questions Over Hurricane Preparedness
Richardson also drew attention when he told FEMA staff he was unaware hurricane season had begun, a remark DHS later insisted was a joke. The comment came shortly after an internal review found FEMA was “not ready” for the 2025 season, an assessment DHS strongly disputed.
The White House defended Richardson at the time, saying FEMA was taking hurricane season seriously and that his remarks were being mischaracterized.
Political Backlash
Some lawmakers openly questioned Richardson’s readiness for the job. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “unaware of why he hasn’t been fired yet,” while Sen. Ed Markey warned, “People will die.”
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