Trump to Nominate Ousted FEMA Leader Cameron Hamilton to Return as Agency Head
President Donald Trump intends to nominate Cameron Hamilton to formally lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), marking a significant reversal after Hamilton was previously ousted from his position in May 2025. Hamilton’s removal occurred after he publicly testified against plans to dismantle the agency, putting him at odds with then-FEMA leader Kristi Noem and other administration officials. According to five individuals briefed on the matter, this nomination signals a shift in the administration's approach to emergency management following internal conflicts and operational challenges. The decision comes amid growing concerns from FEMA staff and external critics regarding the agency's stability and readiness for potential disasters. Previous reports highlighted tensions between Noem and Trump-appointed panels over FEMA's future, as well as warnings from staffers about risks akin to Hurricane Katrina. Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL, faces skepticism regarding his qualifications for the role despite his reinstatement. This move underscores the ongoing political turbulence surrounding federal disaster response mechanisms and the administration's fluctuating strategies in managing critical infrastructure and emergency services during Trump's presidency.
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Trump to Nominate Ousted FEMA Leader Cameron Hamilton to Return as Agency Head
President Donald Trump intends to nominate Cameron Hamilton to formally lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), marking a significant reversal after Hamilton was previously ousted from his position in May 2025. Hamilton’s removal occurred after he publicly testified against plans to dismantle the agency, putting him at odds with then-FEMA leader Kristi Noem and other administration officials. According to five individuals briefed on the matter, this nomination signals a shift in the administration's approach to emergency management following internal conflicts and operational challenges. The decision comes amid growing concerns from FEMA staff and external critics regarding the agency's stability and readiness for potential disasters. Previous reports highlighted tensions between Noem and Trump-appointed panels over FEMA's future, as well as warnings from staffers about risks akin to Hurricane Katrina. Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL, faces skepticism regarding his qualifications for the role despite his reinstatement. This move underscores the ongoing political turbulence surrounding federal disaster response mechanisms and the administration's fluctuating strategies in managing critical infrastructure and emergency services during Trump's presidency.
ashingtonpost