FEMA Chief Resigns Unexpectedly With Key Recovery Actions Still Unresolved

David Richardson has resigned as acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security confirmed Nov. 17. His abrupt departure follows the end of the federal government’s 43-day shutdown and comes as the agency manages overlapping disaster-response demands.

A DHS spokesperson told the Associated Press that Richardson stepped down after roughly six months in the role. The department did not provide a reason for his resignation. Politico reported that DHS thanked Richardson for his service during an active hurricane season.

The transition comes as FEMA works through funding and program delays that accumulated during the shutdown.

The agency’s Disaster Relief Fund has operated under a continuing resolution that constrained some large-project obligations, and the freeze stalled reviews for hazard-mitigation grants and environmental clearances tied to long-term recovery projects. FEMA has not said whether Richardson’s departure will affect the pace of those actions.

The Washington Post reported that Richardson had drawn internal criticism for limited availability during the late-October floods in Texas, though FEMA’s regional and field teams continued operating during the response.

Richardson previously served as the agency’s deputy associate administrator for resilience before becoming acting administrator in May.

The Trump administration has not officially announced who will assume acting leadership. Politico reports that, starting Dec. 1, FEMA Chief of Staff Karen Evans will assume the role of acting administrator, according to comments by a DHS spokesperson. The outlet added that Richardson is also leaving his job as head of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, a department President Trump has reportedly sought to close.

FEMA continues to lead recovery operations in Texas, Alaska and mid-Atlantic communities hit by fall storms as agencies resume normal operations under the stopgap funding measure enacted Nov. 12.

ENR requested additional comment from FEMA and DHS regarding the leadership transition but the agencies did not respond by press time.