David Richardson, who served as the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, tendered his resignation on Monday after approximately six months in the role, as confirmed by two administration officials to NBC News.
Richardson’s short tenure as FEMA administrator occurred during a challenging period for the agency. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, significant budget cuts were proposed, and Trump publicly suggested the agency be phased out following the end of hurricane season in late November.
In a statement released Monday, FEMA along with the Department of Homeland Security, which governs the agency, expressed their “sincere appreciation” for Richardson’s “dedicated service.”
A DHS spokesperson announced that Karen Evans, currently serving as FEMA’s chief of staff, will take on the position of acting administrator effective December 1st.
Richardson mentioned on Monday that he had agreed to serve as acting superintendent during this critical period, indicating that his resignation stemmed from a desire to return to the private sector.
“I took on the role of acting administrator during hurricane season when no one else was available,” Richardson stated. “Hurricane season concludes on December 1st. The threats are nearly over, so it’s time for me to explore another opportunity.”
The White House directed all inquiries regarding Richardson’s resignation to the Department of Homeland Security.
During his time at FEMA, Richardson faced significant criticism for his delayed response to the catastrophic floods in July that struck the Texas Hill Country. He was unreachable for more than 24 hours after over 130 individuals, including 27 girls and their counselors, perished at Camp Mystic, a Christian youth summer camp, on July 4.
Julio Cortes / AP File
It was later disclosed that Mr. Richardson lacked experience in emergency management prior to his role as acting FEMA administrator. I was on a weekend vacation.
Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer, was appointed to lead FEMA on an interim basis in May after the previous acting administrator, Cameron Hamilton, was removed from the position following a brief tenure. During his time at FEMA, Richardson also served simultaneously as assistant secretary for the Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Countermeasures at DHS.
This year, FEMA has faced increased scrutiny regarding its effectiveness in responding to hurricanes, floods, and other disasters, particularly as climate change has heightened the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
In a phone interview on Monday night, Richardson remarked that he understood his role at FEMA was to “shut things down” upon his arrival.
However, he noted that the agency’s experiences dealing with flooding in Texas and severe flooding in western Alaska underscored the agency’s necessity, albeit on a smaller scale.
“We need to empower states,” he asserted. He believes states can accomplish more but also trusts that Trump will implement reforms to the agency.
In an open letter issued in August, around 200 FEMA employees criticized the Trump administration’s disaster preparedness and emergency management effectiveness after the Texas floods.
The signatories expressed that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s request for the office to evaluate FEMA spending exceeding $100,000 impeded the agency’s response to the deadly disaster. They also pointed out that both Richardson and Hamilton lacked the “legal qualifications, Senate confirmation, and proven background” required for the role of FEMA administrator.
Following the publication of the letter, at least 21 FEMA employees faced suspension for signing it.
Richardson stated on Monday night that the $100,000 spending cap would not hinder FEMA’s response.
“If lives were in danger, we wouldn’t have surpassed the $100,000 limit,” he asserted.
Richardson succeeded Hamilton shortly before the commencement of hurricane season, after Hamilton testified on Capitol Hill claiming he believed it was not in the American people’s best interest to abolish FEMA.
This stance opposed President Trump’s proposal to dismantle FEMA and instead allow states to manage disaster responses.
Kristi Noem informed NBC News’ “Meet the Press” in June that President Trump aimed to reform the agency rather than eliminate it altogether.
Some of Richardson’s detractors, including former FEMA communications director Rafael Lemaître, expressed relief at his resignation on Monday. Lemaître is a member of the advisory board for Sabotaging Our Safety, an organization focused on disaster preparedness and emergency management issues.
“Choosing someone with no disaster management experience to lead FEMA is akin to putting a person in the cockpit of a plane during a hurricane who has never flown,” he commented in a statement.
Democratic members of the House Homeland Security Committee also welcomed the news of Richardson’s resignation.
“David Richardson was incompetent, inexperienced, and ill-suited to lead FEMA,” the group stated. “He will be remembered for vanishing when Texas families needed him the most. Thank you for your service.”
Source: www.nbcnews.com
