Acting FEMA Chief Fired After Opposing Agency Closure Weeks Before Hurricane Season

Cameron Hamilton, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was fired shortly after testifying before Congress that he did not believe FEMA should be eliminated, a stance that conflicted with President Donald Trump's public calls to abolish the agency. During the hearing, Hamilton emphasized FEMA's necessity and stated that decisions about its future were not his to make. Despite Republican support from figures like Rep. Mark Green praising Hamilton's leadership, the Trump administration moved quickly to replace him with David Richardson. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed Trump's criticism of FEMA, asserting the agency has failed in many instances and should be reformed or eliminated. Hamilton's dismissal came at a critical time, just weeks before the Atlantic hurricane season and amid scrutiny of FEMA's fiscal 2026 budget. His removal highlights tensions within the administration over the future role of FEMA in disaster management.