FEMA Chief Fired After Testimony to Congress

Cameron Hamilton, acting head of FEMA, was fired shortly after testifying to Congress in defense of the agency and contradicting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on a potential plan to eliminate FEMA. At the hearing, Hamilton stated, “I do not believe it is in the best interests of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.”

His dismissal came during a meeting at DHS headquarters with Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar and Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski, according to Politico. FEMA confirmed David Richardson has taken over the role.

Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL, had considered resigning earlier but stayed on at the urging of FEMA staff. His firing follows a broader shake-up at FEMA, including the dismissal of four officials for approving a controversial payment for migrant housing in New York City.

Elon Musk drew attention to the $59 million spent on luxury hotels for migrants, calling for a clawback of funds meant for disaster relief. The controversy comes as Trump pushes for FEMA reform, possibly even eliminating the agency, favoring state-level disaster management.

During a recent visit to North Carolina, Trump criticized FEMA’s response to Hurricane Helene and pledged faster recovery efforts under his administration. He argued that states can handle disasters more effectively and at a lower cost than the federal government.