David Richardson, who led the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for about six months under the Trump administration, stepped down on Monday. Richardson had no prior experience in emergency management before taking the role, coming from a Homeland Security office focused on countering weapons of mass destruction.
His time at FEMA was marked by controversy, especially over the response to severe flooding in Texas during the July 4th weekend, which claimed over 130 lives. Richardson waited more than a week before visiting the hardest-hit areas, drawing criticism from both FEMA staff and former officials who felt he should have been there sooner. Richardson said he coordinated efforts by phone while on vacation when the floods began.
Richardson said he agreed to lead FEMA during hurricane season when others declined. With the season ending November 30 and no major storms making landfall this year, he felt it was the right time to leave for other opportunities.
Karen Evans, FEMA’s Chief of Staff and former Homeland Security chief information officer during Trump’s first term, will take over on December 1, according to a Homeland Security spokesperson.
This change marks the second leadership shake-up at FEMA within months. Richardson took over after Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL who was dismissed earlier in the year shortly after Congress learned he opposed dismantling FEMA—something President Trump has suggested several times, even creating an independent council to study the agency’s future.
Richardson’s leadership style raised eyebrows. In his first staff speech, he reportedly said he would “run right over” anyone who opposed him. Early in June, he appeared unaware that the U.S. has a hurricane season, a remark the White House later described as a joke.
Staff morale seemed low. Nearly 200 current and former FEMA workers signed an open letter in August criticizing deep cuts to disaster funding and staffing, warning these moves left the country at greater risk. FEMA responded by placing some signatories on administrative leave and launching an internal probe that required some employees to answer questions without legal counsel.
Despite these internal struggles, FEMA has continued disaster aid during recent emergencies, including funding approved for Alaska, Nebraska, and North Dakota after state requests. Most FEMA staff also avoided furloughs during the government shutdown that ended November 12.
Richardson’s departure closes a turbulent chapter in FEMA’s leadership during a critical time when the agency is expected to respond to natural disasters. With Karen Evans stepping in, the agency faces the challenge of restoring confidence and preparing for future emergencies as the hurricane season officially ends.