David Richardson, the acting director of FEMA, resigned on Monday, the Washington Post reported, citing unnamed sources. FEMA oversees federal responses to major U.S. disasters, including hurricanes, and Richardson's departure comes as the Atlantic hurricane season ends later this month. Former President Donald Trump has advocated shrinking FEMA's federal role, arguing states can assume many disaster responsibilities.
Acting FEMA Director David Richardson Resigns After Brief Tenure, Washington Post Reports
David Richardson, the acting director of FEMA, resigned on Monday, the Washington Post reported, citing unnamed sources. FEMA oversees federal responses to major U.S. disasters, including hurricanes, and Richardson's departure comes as the Atlantic hurricane season ends later this month. Former President Donald Trump has advocated shrinking FEMA's federal role, arguing states can assume many disaster responsibilities.
02:32 AM, 11/18/2025Politics
David Richardson, the acting director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), resigned on Monday, the Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The report did not provide further details about the timing or reasons for his departure.
FEMA coordinates the federal response to major U.S. disasters, including hurricanes and other extreme-weather events. Richardson's departure comes as the Atlantic hurricane season draws to a close later this month, a period when leadership continuity is often critical for response and recovery operations.
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly advocated for reducing FEMA's federal role, arguing that many disaster-management responsibilities should be handled by state governments. The resignation could amplify debate over the agency's size and responsibilities.
Reporting by Bhargav Acharya in Toronto; Editing by Jasper Ward.