David Richardson Issues Stern Warning as FEMA Faces Leadership Shake-up
New FEMA head David Richardson warns staff against resisting changes and outlines policies focusing on state-level disaster management following Cameron Hamilton's abrupt removal.
Summary
David Richardson, recently appointed acting head of FEMA, warned staff not to obstruct upcoming changes during an agency-wide call. He emphasized a shift toward state-led disaster management and cost-sharing policies. This leadership change follows the dismissal of Cameron Hamilton, who was removed one day after testifying against proposed cuts to FEMA, a move criticized by lawmakers as indicative of the Trump administration's intolerance for dissent. White House officials confirmed Hamilton's dismissal was tied to his congressional testimony opposing FEMA's abolition, aligning with President Trump’s vision to reform the agency amid growing criticisms of its effectiveness.
Sources (14)
- Hamilton was fired for opposing dismantling FEMA, rejecting Trump's plan to eliminate the agency and its federal support.
- His testimony highlighted FEMA's essential role and criticized the idea of localizing all disaster management responsibilities, emphasizing that the agency should not be eliminated.
- The abrupt ouster reflects ongoing tensions in the administration over FEMA's efficiency and perceived partisan biases, especially since Hamilton's skills and experience previously aligned with the administration's needs.
Al Jazeera·12d· "…Richardson, meanwhile, has proceeded to set a stricter tone for his tenure, with his fiery Friday phone call."
MSNBC·13d· "…However, Hamilton’s comments were at odds with Trump’s stated position of wanting to eliminate FEMA — the president has said he sees the agency as an unnecessary department that should be “TERMINATED” — and so, one day later, Hamilton has found himself out of a job."
CNN·13d· "…For months, both Trump and Noem, whose Department of Homeland Security oversees FEMA, have called for the agency to be “eliminated.”"
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