Richardson is the second interim official US President Donald Trump has appointed to guide FEMA for the reason that begin of his second time period.
Revealed On 17 Nov 2025
David Richardson, the performing head of the Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA), is stepping down, in keeping with the Division of Homeland Safety (DHS).
Monday’s announcement ends a troubled tenure. It comes simply six months after Richardson took the job and whereas the Atlantic hurricane season continues to be below method.
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Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer, is the second FEMA head to go away or be fired since Might. He departs amid criticism that he stored a low profile throughout the lethal Texas floods in July that killed 130 folks and baffled workers in June when he stated he was unaware the nation had a hurricane season.
A DHS spokesperson gave no causes for why the FEMA chief was departing. The Washington Publish was the primary to report that Richardson was leaving.
The DHS spokesperson stated in a press release that FEMA chief of workers Karen Evans will substitute Richardson, and that FEMA and DHS respect Richardson’s service.
Richardson’s predecessor, Cameron Hamilton, was fired in Might, after pushing again towards efforts below President Donald Trump to dismantle the agency.
President Trump has stated he desires to drastically cut back the dimensions of FEMA — the federal company chargeable for getting ready for and responding to pure disasters — saying state governments can deal with a lot of its features.
FEMA performs a central function within the US response to main disasters, together with hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season is because of finish this month.
Richardson stored a low public profile in contrast with FEMA leaders below earlier presidents, showing not often in public. Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem has served because the face of the administration’s response to pure disasters throughout Trump’s second time period.
Richardson’s abrupt departure is an ignominious finish for an official who advised workers when he first arrived in Might that he would “run right over” anybody who resists adjustments and that each one selections should now undergo him.
“I, and I alone in FEMA, communicate for FEMA,” he stated on the time.
FEMA has lost about 2,500 employees since January via buyouts, firings and different incentives for employees to stop, lowering its general measurement to about 23,350, in keeping with a September Authorities Accountability Workplace report.
The cuts are a part of Trump’s broader push to chop the price and measurement of the federal civilian workforce.
