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Cameron Hamilton is replaced as acting administrator of FEMA

Cam Hamilton acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency testifies before the House Committee on Appropriations subcommittee on Homeland Security oversight hearing of FEMA on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
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FR159526 AP
Cam Hamilton acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency testifies before the House Committee on Appropriations subcommittee on Homeland Security oversight hearing of FEMA on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

FEMA’s leadership is changing hands at a moment of uncertainty over the agency’s future.

Trump has floated the idea of “ getting rid ” of FEMA, something Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has echoed.

Last month, Trump created a review council tasked with “reforming and streamlining the nation’s emergency management and disaster response system,” according to DHS.

It was not immediately clear why Hamilton was replaced, but his dismissal comes one day after he appeared before a House Appropriations subcommittee to discuss FEMA reforms. David Richardson will now serve as acting administrator.

The former marine corps officer was appointed in January as assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.