WASHINGTON (BN24)— Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Richardson resigned Monday, multiple sources familiar with the matter confirmed, ending a brief and turbulent tenure at the nation’s primary disaster response agency.
Richardson had been temporarily appointed in May after former Acting Administrator Cam Hamilton was effectively removed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In addition to leading FEMA, Richardson also managed the department’s office for countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, though it is unclear whether he will continue in that position. FEMA officials have not yet announced who will replace him.
Richardson’s leadership came under scrutiny following an internal all-hands meeting in June, in which he reportedly told staff he was unaware that hurricane season had begun. The remark was widely criticized and raised questions about FEMA’s preparedness. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Richardson was joking and emphasized that the agency remained focused on hurricane season readiness.
During a White House press briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether President Donald Trump was still confident in Richardson. Leavitt said the administration took hurricane season preparations seriously and dismissed concerns over Richardson’s comments as “jokes that were made and leaks from meetings.”
The controversy followed an internal FEMA review conducted in mid-May, which concluded that the agency was not fully ready for the 2025 hurricane season. DHS officials denied claims of unpreparedness, saying the agency’s plans and resources remain in place. “Despite meanspirited attempts to falsely frame a joke as policy, there is no uncertainty about what FEMA will be doing this hurricane season,” a DHS spokesperson said.
Richardson’s resignation drew immediate criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., questioned why Richardson had not already been dismissed, while Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts labeled him “incompetent” and warned that the public could be at risk.
FEMA has faced ongoing challenges under Richardson’s short tenure, including questions about staffing, disaster readiness, and communication with state and local emergency agencies. The agency is entering the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, a period that historically brings severe storms and flooding to the U.S. coastline.
Officials have not indicated whether Richardson will continue in any capacity at DHS, and the agency has not released a timeline for naming a permanent FEMA administrator. The resignation adds uncertainty as communities brace for potential disasters in the months ahead.
