The acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Cameron Hamilton, was removed from his position just one day after publicly defending the agency during a congressional hearing. His dismissal marks the latest shake-up within the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul federal disaster response operations.
Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL who had been serving as FEMA’s acting administrator, reportedly contradicted recent comments made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem regarding the future of FEMA. During testimony before a House Appropriations subcommittee, Hamilton stated that eliminating FEMA “is not in the best interests of the American people,” directly opposing proposals to shift disaster management responsibilities to individual states.
According to reports, Hamilton was summoned to Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Washington, D.C., where Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Troy Edgar and senior Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski informed him of his dismissal. FEMA later confirmed the move, announcing that David Richardson would immediately assume the role of Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator.
The firing comes amid growing criticism from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly argued that FEMA has failed Americans during major disasters. Trump recently blamed the agency for slow recovery efforts in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene and suggested states should handle emergencies independently instead of relying heavily on federal assistance.
“I think FEMA is not good,” Trump said during a visit to the disaster-hit region. He also indicated that his administration may pursue reforms aimed at significantly reducing FEMA’s role or potentially eliminating the agency altogether.
The administration has already taken aggressive steps within FEMA. Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security fired four agency employees over payments reportedly used to house migrants in New York City hotels. The controversy intensified after Elon Musk claimed on X that federal disaster-relief funds had been improperly diverted toward migrant accommodations.
Trump has argued that state governments can respond faster and more efficiently to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other emergencies than federal agencies. Supporters of the proposal say decentralizing disaster response would reduce bureaucracy and costs, while critics warn it could leave smaller or poorer states unable to manage large-scale catastrophes without federal coordination.
Hamilton’s dismissal is likely to intensify debate in Washington over FEMA’s future and the federal government’s role in disaster relief as hurricane season approaches.
