Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson is resigning after months of controversy and internal frustration. His exit comes as the Trump administration was already preparing to remove him once hurricane season ended.
Richardson, a political loyalist with no disaster-management experience, drew criticism for gaffes, erratic behavior and poor communication within the agency.
BREAKING: Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson has resigned, according to sources familiar with the situation. https://t.co/R9I6kroFXA pic.twitter.com/3TstfCF1yw
— ABC News (@ABC) November 17, 2025
His troubles intensified after catastrophic floods in Texas killed more than 130 people.
Richardson was on vacation, unreachable for hours and absent from the disaster zone until days after President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited. DHS later restricted his public appearances and reduced his authority.
FEMA's chief will step down from his role after hurricane season. The announcement comes as Trump administration officials prepared to oust him. https://t.co/1KxEtcrtbM
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) November 17, 2025
Richardson’s replacement will be Karen Evans, a close Trump ally, who takes over December 1. The shake-up comes as the administration pushes major FEMA reforms, including proposals that could fundamentally restructure the agency.
Critics warn that instability, staff departures and the administration’s push to shift disaster responsibility onto states may jeopardize future emergency responses.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
