FEMA Chief Steps Down Amidst Controversy, Trump Administration Prepares Ouster
David Richardson, the acting chief of FEMA, will step down after hurricane season amidst public criticism and internal frustration. Richardson, lacking disaster management experience, faced scrutiny for his handling of the Texas floods and was often absent from the public eye. His departure is a precursor to sweeping reforms led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who is planning significant changes to the agency. These changes include a new FEMA Review Council, with the possibility of the agency being removed from the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the reassignment of his closest allies. The administration’s focus on shifting disaster responsibility to states has raised concerns among current and former officials about FEMA’s ability to respond to future crises.
John Q. Hosedrinker