Trump Fires FEMA Acting Director, GOP Senators Voice Concern

Senate Republicans have expressed significant concern over the Trump administration's decision to fire Cameron Hamilton, the acting director of FEMA, after he testified against the president's plan to shutter the agency. Hamilton's dismissal has unsettled GOP lawmakers who fear such retaliation could discourage officials from providing candid testimony in the future. Senator Thom Tillis criticized the firing, emphasizing Hamilton's duty to give honest opinions under oath and warning that eliminating FEMA would hinder disaster response efforts, especially in hurricane-prone regions like North Carolina. While some Republicans support FEMA reforms, they oppose the wholesale elimination of the agency, highlighting its critical role in coordinating regional responses to natural disasters. Additionally, many Republicans in Congress are uneasy with the proposed budget cuts to FEMA, which include a $646 million reduction and cuts to employees and grant programs, underscoring concerns about the administration's broader efforts to scale down the agency. These developments indicate a growing rift within the GOP on how best to manage federal disaster response moving forward.