David Richardson, recently appointed as the acting head of FEMA, has left agency staff and lawmakers unsettled after admitting in a staff meeting that he was unaware the United States has a hurricane season. While the Department of Homeland Security later claimed the remark was a joke, the timing—just as NOAA forecast an above-average hurricane season—has fueled concerns about FEMA’s preparedness and leadership.
Richardson, a former Marine artillery officer with no prior disaster response experience, took over in May after his predecessor, Cameron Hamilton, was abruptly dismissed following disagreements with the Trump administration about FEMA’s future. President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have advocated for downsizing or even eliminating FEMA, arguing that states should take on more disaster response responsibilities.
Since January, FEMA has lost about a quarter of its full-time workforce, including many key disaster coordinators, due to federal cutbacks and voluntary departures. The agency now relies heavily on temporary disaster response staff, whose contracts were recently extended after Richardson’s request.
Richardson’s leadership style has been described as direct and uncompromising. In his first meetings, he warned staff not to obstruct his plans, declaring, “I will achieve the president’s intent. I, and I alone, speak for FEMA.” He has also stated that he will personally oversee disaster payments and implement new cost-sharing measures with states.
Critics, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Bennie Thompson, have questioned Richardson’s qualifications and called for his replacement, citing the agency’s reduced capacity and the lack of a clear disaster response plan as hurricane season begins.
FEMA’s spokesperson insists the agency is shifting to a more agile, state-focused model, but many employees remain concerned about resources and readiness as the nation faces another potentially destructive hurricane season.
