Former FEMA head outlines ‘very tense relationship’ with DHS officials

Former FEMA Administrator Critiques Hostile Relationship with DHS

Cameron Hamilton, who previously served as the acting administrator of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), recently shared that he experienced a “very hostile relationship” with officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

During an interview, he recounted incidents where his character was under scrutiny, leading to a polygraph examination which he passed. Despite this, he noted there was no apology, further straining the relationship.

Hamilton’s tenure as acting administrator ended in May, shortly after he expressed concerns to lawmakers about the potential downsides of dismantling FEMA.

His views stand in stark contrast to President Trump’s assertions that FEMA should undergo significant changes or possibly be disbanded altogether. Trump has advocated for shifting more disaster preparedness responsibilities to the states.

“I wasn’t brought in to eliminate FEMA,” Hamilton emphasized. “That was never part of our discussions. I was very clear about wanting some reforms and cutting unnecessary costs.”

Before taking the role at FEMA on January 22, Hamilton, a former Navy Seal, also served as the Director of Emergency Medical Services at DHS. Notably, he underwent a polygraph to address allegations of leaking details from a private FEMA meeting to the media.

Since Trump took office, he has openly criticized FEMA and hinted at plans to close the agency.

Hamilton expressed concerns that FEMA was being compelled to take on responsibilities typically managed by the states, a process he described as unfolding gradually. “We had to give the states the necessary time to evaluate the situation and respond,” he commented, adding that this approach wasn’t wise.

At a Cabinet meeting on May 25, DHS Secretary Christie Noem reinforced the president’s position, stating that they aimed to “eliminate FEMA.” However, just last month, she announced a $96 million federal grant from FEMA to assist North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helen.

Hamilton asserted that there are numerous reforms that could be beneficial for FEMA, highlighting that this issue transcends party lines. “Regardless of your political stance—progressive, conservative, or anything in between—there are widespread internal regulations and statutes within FEMA that need revision,” he suggested.

David Richardson, appointed in January as a Secretary Advisor for DHS focusing on countering weapons of mass destruction, has since taken over as the administrator for FEMA.