FEMA Acting Chief David Richardson Resigns Amidst Criticism and Leadership Turmoil
Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson resigned after six months, facing criticism for delayed Texas flood response and lack of experience. Karen Evans replaces him December 1.
Overview
- Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson resigned after a troubled six-month tenure, marking the second leadership change at the agency since May amidst a turbulent period.
- Richardson faced heavy criticism for his delayed response to deadly Texas floods in July, causing over 130 fatalities, and for being on vacation and inaccessible to staff.
- His tenure revealed a significant lack of emergency management experience, contributing to the criticism regarding his handling of disaster response during the deadly Texas floods.
- Richardson's departure occurs amidst mass staff departures at FEMA, with 2,500 employees leaving since January, alongside significant policy upheaval and budget cuts.
- Karen Evans, FEMA Chief of Staff, will replace Richardson as Acting FEMA Administrator on December 1, assuming leadership during a period of intense scrutiny and change.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover David Richardson's resignation factually, detailing his departure, stated reasons, and tenure context. They report criticisms of his leadership and FEMA's performance under the Trump administration, while also including Richardson's defenses and DHS statements. The collective coverage presents a balanced account of events and perspectives.
"Richardson’s effectiveness in leading the agency was questioned by members of Congress and FEMA staff."
Chicago Sun-Times"Richardson's effectiveness in leading the agency was questioned by members of Congress and FEMA staff."
NPR"The agency has undergone major upheaval since Trump returned to office in January promising to vastly overhaul if not eliminate the agency."
Associated Press"Fema faced criticism during Richardson's tenure over its response to devastating floods in Texas during the Fourth of July holiday weekend."
BBC News"Richardson’s short time as head of FEMA came during a turbulent chapter for the agency."
NBC News"Richardson's resignation comes amid mounting criticism over FEMA's response to the devastating Central Texas floods in July, which claimed more than 130 lives, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River."
CBS News"Richardson's comments followed an internal review indicating FEMA was "not ready" for the 2025 hurricane season in mid-May."
ABC News"Controversy began swirling around Richardson almost as soon as he took office."
USA TODAYArticles (19)
Center (8)
FAQ
David Richardson resigned amid criticism for his delayed response to the deadly Texas floods in July, which caused over 130 fatalities, and for being on vacation and inaccessible to staff during the crisis. His lack of emergency management experience and the ongoing turmoil at FEMA contributed to the pressure for his resignation.
Karen Evans, FEMA Chief of Staff, will replace David Richardson as Acting FEMA Administrator on December 1, 2025.
Richardson was criticized for his delayed response to the Texas floods, lack of emergency management experience, and being inaccessible to staff during the crisis. His tenure also coincided with mass staff departures and significant policy upheaval at FEMA.
FEMA experienced two leadership changes in 2025. Cameron Hamilton was dismissed in May after testifying against eliminating FEMA, and David Richardson resigned in November after a troubled tenure. Karen Evans will take over as Acting Administrator on December 1.
Recent policy changes, including budget cuts, staff reassignments, and suppression of climate science, have led to mass staff departures (over 2,500 since January) and criticism that FEMA's ability to respond to disasters has been undermined.
History
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