Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Acting FEMA Chief David Richardson Resigns After Six Months Amid Criticism
The acting leader of FEMA, David Richardson, quit after just 6 months.
People were upset because he didn't help quickly enough when Texas had big floods.
FEMA is now without a leader again, and many employees have left.
This makes it hard for them to be ready for disasters.
David Richardson, acting FEMA administrator, resigned after 6 months
Resignation follows criticism over Texas flood response and leadership instability
Richardson had no prior emergency management background
FEMA faces leadership void and structural uncertainty
Over 2,500 FEMA employees have left since January
- Who
- David Richardson, acting FEMA administrator
- What
- Resigned from his position
- When
- After 6 months in the role
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Due to criticism over Texas flood response and leadership instability
Critics of Richardson's Leadership
FEMA and Trump Administration
Texas Flood Response
Critics of Richardson's Leadership
Critics argue Richardson was slow to respond and visit the disaster zone
FEMA and Trump Administration
FEMA and Trump Administration maintain they provided adequate support
- Previous FEMA Administrator
- Cameron Hamilton
- Richardson's Background
- Former Marine Corps officer and assistant secretary at DHS
- FEMA Employees Lost Since January
- Approximately 2,500
- Hurricane Season Duration
- June 1 to November 30
- Interim FEMA Chief
- Karen Evans, FEMA Chief of Staff
