The acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), David Richardson, has resigned from his post, a senior Trump administration official confirmed on Monday, 23 July 2025. His departure comes after a brief and controversial six-month tenure, heavily criticised for his handling of catastrophic flash flooding in Texas.
Controversy and Catastrophe in Texas
David Richardson resigned amid a furor over his responsiveness, particularly during the devastating summer floods in Texas. The catastrophic event swept away a children’s camp and resulted in the deaths of more than 130 people. Richardson was accused of maintaining a low profile throughout the crisis, drawing significant public and political ire.
His leadership had already raised eyebrows internally in June, when he reportedly baffled staff by stating he was unaware the United States had a hurricane season. This was a particularly concerning admission given his role leading the nation's primary disaster response agency.
Agency Under Pressure
Richardson's exit marks the second departure of a FEMA head since May. His predecessor was fired after pushing back against the Trump administration's concerted efforts to dismantle the agency. President Donald Trump has been vocal about his desire to greatly reduce the size of FEMA, arguing that state governments can handle many of the federal agency's functions.
These cuts are part of a broader push to shrink the federal civilian workforce. A September report from the Government Accountability Office revealed that FEMA has lost approximately 2,500 employees since January through buyouts, firings, and other incentives, reducing its overall size to about 23,350 staff.
An Abrupt and Ignominious Exit
Richardson's departure is an abrupt end for an official who began his tenure in May with a forceful stance. He told staff upon his arrival that he would "run right over" anyone who resisted changes and declared that "I, and I alone in Fema, speak for Fema." He insisted all decisions must go through him.
The timing of his resignation adds another layer of complexity, as it occurs while the Atlantic hurricane season is still underway. The Trump administration official who confirmed the departure did not provide any specific reasons for Richardson stepping down. It remains immediately unclear who will succeed him as the acting administrator.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees FEMA, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation.
