From CBS News: David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is leaving his post, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed Monday. Richardson submitted his resignation Monday morning, according to five current and former homeland security officials familiar with the decision.
He served as FEMA’s “Senior Official Performing the Duties” of administrator since May 8, 2025, when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem abruptly removed his predecessor, Cameron Hamilton. Before leading FEMA, Richardson was Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.
FEMA chief of staff Karen Evans will step into his role starting Dec. 1, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said.
From the outset, Richardson’s leadership style garnered attention. In his first all-hands meeting he told agency staff: “Don’t get in my way … I will run right over you,” and declared, “I and I alone speak for FEMA.”
Richardson, who who did not have prior emergency management experience before taking the position, was hit with massive criticism over the way he handled the devastating flood in Texas in July, in which over 130 people perished, including 22 children and counselors at Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River.
Immediately following the deadly flood, Richardson could not be reached for 24 hours. It was later revealed that he had been away on vacation.
David Richardson, the acting head of the FEMA, has resigned, sources say. https://t.co/c01gtm1ml7
— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) November 17, 2025
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