Cameron Hamilton, the acting leader of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was dismissed from his position after a meeting at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington.
In attendance were Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Troy Edgar and Corey Lewandowski, an adviser to then-President Donald Trump. This decision was confirmed by an insider.
Upon his return to FEMA’s headquarters, Hamilton gathered his personal items and left, while his profile was swiftly erased from FEMA’s online platforms.
The day before his dismissal, Hamilton had provided testimony before a House Appropriations subcommittee, addressing speculation regarding the future of FEMA in contrast to remarks made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
In his testimony, Hamilton expressed his belief that dissolving FEMA would not serve the American public’s best interests. This statement seemed to diverge from recent discussions about potentially shutting down the agency.
Following his removal, a spokesperson relayed via email that David Richardson has stepped in as the Senior Official Performing the duties of the FEMA Administrator. Hamilton’s role within the organization was officially concluded.
The reasons for Hamilton’s firing remain undisclosed by both FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. Fellow former FEMA official Michael Coen commented on the situation, highlighting a potential erosion of trust among state emergency leaders and the public towards emergency management.
Hamilton’s background as a Navy SEAL includes a period where he considered resigning, only to be persuaded by FEMA personnel to remain in his role. Earlier, in March, Hamilton underwent a lie-detector test amidst allegations of leaking sensitive information linked to a meeting with Noem and Lewandowski. Results vindicated him from any wrongdoing.
In the months preceding his dismissal, Hamilton had been making headway in connecting with lawmakers and his public presence was noted to be approachable and at times humorous. Despite this, a memo he authored in April suggesting a reduction in FEMA’s responsibilities in addressing natural disasters gained significant attention.
His exit coincides with ongoing debates initiated by Trump about restructuring or potentially eliminating FEMA, which provides approximately $45 billion annually to aid in disaster recoveries.
At the same time, Secretary Noem addressed Senate questions regarding FEMA’s future during an Appropriations subcommittee session.
Senator Patty Murray from Washington expressed deep concerns about FEMA’s leadership upheaval, citing potential public safety risks ahead of fire and hurricane seasons.
Although unaware of Hamilton’s dismissal during the hearing, she later addressed that the situation seemed problematic without any knowledge of further details.
Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii shared his apprehension about implications for disaster responses.
Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina, affected by past hurricanes, expressed disappointment, praising Hamilton’s leadership capabilities.
During budget discussions, Hamilton remarked that decisions about FEMA’s future should be deliberated between the President and Congress.
Congressman Bennie Thompson voiced that Hamilton’s dismissal stemmed from his honest testimony, which did not align with administrative plans to phase out FEMA.
Hamilton’s entrance as acting administrator was circumstantial, following an appointment to a senior agency role that leads to acting administrator duties when the primary and deputy administrator roles are vacant.
Concerns arose from Chad Berginnis of the Association of State Floodplain Managers about the leadership uncertainties at FEMA amidst critical seasons, highlighting the necessity for experienced state emergency management professionals in such roles.
David Richardson, now the acting administrator, has a background in the Marine Corps, with experience leading units in diverse operations across Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa.
