The acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency resigned, sources confirmed Monday afternoon — just a few hours after the FEMA leader denied reports in an interview with POLITICO's E&E News.
A DHS spokesperson issued a statement thanking David Richardson "for his dedicated service" and wishing him "continued success in his return to the private sector."
"Mr. Richardson led FEMA through the 2025 hurricane season, delivering historic funding to North Carolina, Texas, Florida, New Mexico and Alaska, and overseeing a comprehensive review that identified and eliminated serious governmental waste and inefficiency, and refocused the agency to deliver swift resources to Americans in crisis," the spokesperson said.
DHS said it anticipates "the forthcoming release" of a report by a FEMA Review Council that President Donald Trump created this year, "which will inform this Administration’s ongoing efforts to fundamentally restructure FEMA, transforming it from its current form into a streamlined, mission-focused disaster-response force."
Starting Dec. 1, FEMA chief of staff Karen Evans will assume the role of acting administrator, the spokesperson said. The DHS statement indicates that Richardson also is leaving his job as head of the department's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, which Trump has sought to close.
Richardson, who has led FEMA on an interim basis since May, told E&E News on Monday morning, "I have no idea what you're talking about," when asked about reports that he had resigned.
Three hours later, E&E News confirmed his resignation, which was first reported by The Washington Post.
Richardson's imminent departure had been rumored for two weeks. Former FEMA officials told POLITICO and E&E News that Richardson would leave by the end of the Atlantic hurricane season, on Dec. 1. It was unclear whether Richardson has relinquished his position or given two weeks' notice.
Richardson has been the agency's senior official since taking over for Cameron Hamilton, whom Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem fired.
Comments
Post a Comment