Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton was dismissed on May 8, 2025, just one day after testifying before Congress against President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL appointed in January, expressed during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing that dismantling FEMA would not serve the best interests of the American people .
The following morning, Hamilton was informed of his termination at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters by Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar and Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski. He was subsequently escorted from FEMA headquarters . His dismissal occurred just weeks before the Atlantic hurricane season, leaving FEMA without a top leader during a critical period .
Hamilton has been replaced by David Richardson, a senior DHS official and former Marine Corps officer with limited experience in disaster management . The White House has not provided a comment on the transition or potential permanent replacements.
Hamilton’s firing has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including Representative Rosa DeLauro, who suggested the dismissal was due to a lack of loyalty to President Trump and demanded a clear explanation from the administration . The abrupt leadership change raises concerns about FEMA’s preparedness as the hurricane season approaches
