On May 7, just before testifying to Congress, acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton packed his desk, expecting to be fired. DHS had ordered his credentials revoked, but FEMA officials insisted he be allowed to testify. During the hearing, Hamilton contradicted Donald Trump by opposing the idea of dismantling FEMA.
Though DHS claimed he transitioned to a new role at the Department of Education, sources say Trump loyalists had long wanted him out, believing he wasn’t downsizing FEMA fast enough. His dismissal the next day appeared to confirm political motivations.
Hamilton reportedly clashed with Corey Lewandowski, a top Trump aide, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over FEMA funds and agency direction. A March leak about a meeting discussing drastic FEMA cuts triggered polygraph tests for staff and Hamilton—who passed. Still, tensions lingered.
On May 8, Hamilton was officially fired in a meeting with Lewandowski and DHS leadership. He was replaced by David Richardson, a Marine veteran with no emergency management experience. Hamilton’s exit comes amid low morale and staffing concerns at FEMA, just ahead of hurricane season.
