David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has resigned following significant criticism regarding his leadership during recent crises. Sources close to the agency, including five current and former homeland security officials, confirmed that Richardson submitted his resignation on the morning of July 8, 2025.
Richardson had served as FEMA’s “Senior Official Performing the Duties” of administrator since May 8, 2025, when he was appointed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following the abrupt removal of his predecessor, Cameron Hamilton. His tenure at FEMA was marked by a controversial leadership style, characterized by statements that included, “Don’t get in my way … I will run right over you,” during his first all-hands meeting.
Criticism of Richardson intensified following FEMA’s response to devastating floods in Central Texas in July, which resulted in over 130 fatalities, including the tragic deaths of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River. Lawmakers expressed concern about Richardson’s accessibility during the disaster, with reports indicating that he was unreachable for hours, complicating coordination efforts for search-and-rescue operations.
At a congressional hearing in July, Richardson defended FEMA’s response, asserting it was a “model” of disaster management. He challenged claims of delays in deployment and denied that there were lapses in contracts related to FEMA’s disaster help line.
As FEMA navigates the aftermath of Richardson’s resignation, the agency faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its disaster response strategies and leadership effectiveness in times of crisis. CBS News has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for further comment on this development.
