Acting FEMA administrator out after pushing back against Trump agency plans
Context:
Cameron Hamilton, the acting administrator of FEMA, was ousted from his position shortly after expressing disagreement with President Donald Trump's proposal to cut the agency. Hamilton, who had led FEMA since January, defended the importance of the agency before a House Committee, arguing against its elimination. Despite his stance, the Trump administration, backed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, proceeded with plans to reform or dismantle FEMA, citing inefficiency. The decision to remove Hamilton was communicated to him by Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Troy Edgar and Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski. The transition sees David Richardson stepping into the role of Senior Official Performing the duties of the FEMA Administrator.
Dive Deeper:
Cameron Hamilton, who served as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy, was removed from his role as acting FEMA administrator after advocating against President Trump's proposal to eliminate the agency.
Hamilton had voiced his concerns to lawmakers on the House Committee on Appropriations, stressing that dismantling FEMA would not be in the best interest of the American people.
The Trump administration, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, supports the idea of overhauling or even abolishing FEMA, suggesting that the agency is not effective.
Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Troy Edgar and Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski informed Hamilton of his removal during a meeting at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.
Following Hamilton's departure, David Richardson has been appointed as the Senior Official Performing the duties of the FEMA Administrator, as per a statement from a FEMA spokesperson.
President Trump has indicated plans to sign an executive order aimed at reforming FEMA and has publicly criticized the agency's performance during a visit to North Carolina.
Hamilton's removal highlights the ongoing debate within the administration regarding the future and functionality of FEMA in managing disaster relief efforts.