Uncertainty deepens following the dismissal of federal emergency management director Cameron Hamilton.
Hamilton was let go Thursday after stating that FEMA would not operate in the “best interest” of the American public.
Criticism from former agency officials highlighted a sense of ongoing leadership instability in an organization already grappling with exclusion challenges.
“This isn’t what FEMA needed… losing management just 20 days into hurricane season adds to the chaos,” said Pete Gayner, who led the agency during the Trump administration.
Others expressed concern about the repercussions of opposing the administration and its key political figures.
“In emergency management, it’s vital for people to communicate openly while addressing crises,” stated Michael Cohen, who served as FEMA’s chief of staff during the Obama and Biden administrations.
“Whether related to the secretary’s office or a new administrator, if staff have suggestions for improvement, they should feel free to voice their thoughts on leadership decisions. Stifling this collaborative process can be detrimental… It can lead to outcomes that potentially endanger lives that could have been saved through teamwork and shared ideas,” Cohen continued.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt confirmed on Friday that Hamilton’s remarks to lawmakers defending FEMA led to his firing.
“From what I understand, his testimony contradicted the administration’s objectives for FEMA,” Leavitt said. “We aim to ensure that everyone aligns with the government’s goals moving forward.”
Further comments were deferred to the Department of Homeland Security.
Earlier this week, Noem visited Capitol Hill and faced inquiries about plans to significantly restructure and cut back FEMA’s role.
The president’s proposed budget suggests a $646 million reduction in FEMA funding, arguing it could hinder disaster response efforts.
“The president intends to dismantle the current FEMA and give states more control over emergency management,” Noem explained to lawmakers.
David Richardson, previously appointed as secretary to the Department of Homeland Security regarding weapons of mass destruction, is set to replace Hamilton.
A memo from Richardson indicates that they are undergoing a “mission analysis” to identify “redundancies and inefficiencies” while preventing mission creep.
The memo also outlines objectives to develop strategies aligned with the President’s vision for FEMA.
According to reports from Reuters, Richardson has informed the staff he won’t hesitate to act quickly in implementing changes, assuming unilateral decision-making authority if faced with resistance.
A FEMA spokesperson did not respond immediately for comments.
Hamilton’s dismissal and Richardson’s swift actions come at a notably turbulent time for the agency.
Beyond Noem’s claims, she has reported plans to “eliminate” the agency, alongside a buyout offer affecting 1,800 employees.
Simultaneously, the White House has initiated a review council to assess reform proposals for FEMA, appointing roughly 12 members, including several current or former Republican governors and the Democratic mayor of Tampa.
Additionally, discussions are underway regarding grant distribution, possibly linking it to recipient areas’ immigration policies, as well as measures to prevent terrorism and enhance community disaster responses.
Last month, E&E News reported that FEMA had put a halt to significant funding programs aimed at disaster protection and community resilience.
Wired also reported last week that FEMA ceased its door-to-door outreach efforts to disaster-affected areas.
In light of these changes, a former Biden-era official criticized the current administration’s approach.
“It’s evident that the Trump administration is chaotic, with the secretary making decisions that don’t prioritize the American public’s best interests,” the former official stated.
