David Richardson, the man tasked with leading the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is resigning from his position, according to multiple reports. Richardson has worked as the agency’s acting director since May.
Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem installed Richardson in the role after dismissing Cameron Hamilton in May. He was dismissed after he said he did not support the Trump administration’s goal of eliminating the agency.
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The administration has not said who will replace Richardson.
Richardson’s efforts as acting administrator
Many in FEMA saw Richardson’s role as controversial. During an all-hands meeting in June, news outlets reported that he told staff he had no idea the Atlantic hurricane season had started. The comment “baffled” staff but a Homeland Security spokesperson said Richardson was joking.
The comments followed an internal review stating FEMA was not ready for the season.
Richardson also caused controversy after he told staff that he would “run right over” employees who didn’t agree with the changes the administration had planned.
“Obfuscation, delay, undermining. If you’re one of those 20% of people and you think those tactics and techniques are going to help you, they will not, because I will run right over you,” he said. “Don’t get in my way.”
Richardson led the agency during the Fourth of July flooding in Texas that left more than 100 dead, including many young girls who were staying at Camp Mystic. According to The Washington Post, Richardson was difficult to reach during the early hours of the disaster since he was out with his family during the holiday weekend. He did not respond to the disaster until Sunday evening, nearly two days after it started.
The publication also reported that staff said Richardson had shrunk away from his role in recent months. They reported that Richardson had told staff that he did not expect to be in the position after Thanksgiving.
Richardson is also in charge of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. Officials have not said if he will remain in that role.
