Trump Fires FEMA Chief Weeks Before Hurricane Season Begins
May 8, 2025 — Cameron Hamilton, the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was fired just one day after publicly opposing President Donald Trump’s proposal to dismantle the agency.
His abrupt dismissal comes mere weeks before the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, leaving FEMA in a vulnerable leadership position during a critical period for national disaster preparedness.
Acting FEMA Chief Fired After Four Months
Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL appointed in January 2025, served just over four months as FEMA’s acting administrator before being abruptly dismissed. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivered his dismissal following his testimony before a House Appropriations subcommittee, where he stated,
"I do not believe it is in the best interests of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency."
Behind Closed Doors: Resignation Talks, Lie Detector Tests, and a Swift Exit
Hamilton had reportedly considered resigning as early as March but was persuaded to stay by FEMA employees who supported his leadership. Around the same time, he underwent a lie detector test administered by the Department of Homeland Security amid suspicions of leaking details from a private meeting with Secretary Noem and Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski. He passed the test and was cleared of any wrongdoing.
His termination was ultimately delivered during a closed-door meeting with Deputy DHS Secretary Troy Edgar and Lewandowski. He returned to FEMA headquarters shortly afterward to collect his belongings.
Early Controversies: Hurricane Helene and False Accusations
Before his FEMA appointment, Hamilton had publicly criticized the agency’s response to Hurricane Helene in 2024. He amplified false claims that FEMA had misdirected disaster aid to support undocumented immigrants at the southern border and that the agency had blocked relief shipments intended for North Carolina residents. These accusations were later debunked by FEMA and independent fact-checkers.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemned the misinformation, calling it “demoralizing to aid workers” and potentially damaging public trust during crisis recovery.
Political Friction and Internal Fallout
During his time at FEMA, Hamilton also had to address an internal scandal: three FEMA supervisors were fired after instructing crews to avoid homes displaying pro-Trump signage. Hamilton condemned the behavior, but the controversy only added to the friction between him and the White House.
At the same time, President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem were ramping up calls to shift disaster response responsibilities from the federal government to individual states. Hamilton didn’t hold back in opposing the idea— a stance that likely played a key role in his dismissal.
Richardson Takes Control at FEMA
The administration appointed David Richardson as the new acting FEMA administrator. Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer and counter-WMD official at DHS, has little direct emergency management experience.
His initial remarks to FEMA staff were blunt: he reportedly told employees he would “run right over” anyone who resisted administrative reforms and revoked all prior delegations of authority.
Staffing Cuts and Capacity Concerns
Under Trump’s leadership, FEMA has lost about one-third of its workforce through budget cuts and restructuring. Critics argue that FEMA is weakening just as natural disaster threats are increasing.
Lawmakers Push Back on Hamilton’s Firing
The decision to oust Cameron Hamilton didn’t sit well with many on Capitol Hill. Among the critics was Representative Rosa DeLauro, stating:
“President Trump fires anyone who is not blindly loyal to him. Acting Administrator Hamilton has proven his dedication to serving the American people.”
Concerns remain in Congress about FEMA’s ability to manage large-scale disasters without stable, experienced leadership.
What’s Next for FEMA
As hurricane season approaches, FEMA is heading into its most demanding stretch of the year without the steady hand of seasoned leadership. The agency is in flux— grappling with internal restructuring, political pressure from the top, and a workforce that's been significantly thinned out. Disaster experts say it’s a risky combination at exactly the wrong time.
Whether David Richardson can bring stability or ends up deepening the turmoil is still unclear. But one thing’s certain: FEMA is entering storm season at one of the most uncertain points in its recent history.