FEMA Chief Fired After Defending Agency’s Existence

Cameron Hamilton, acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was removed from his post—just one day after testifying before Congress that the agency must not be dismantled.

FEMA confirmed in a statement that Hamilton is no longer serving as acting administrator. I Photo: FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency Facebook

President Trump has repeatedly questioned the need for FEMA, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified Tuesday that FEMA should be eliminated altogether.

In contrast, Hamilton told lawmakers Wednesday that the agency “must return to its roots” and continue assisting state and local governments during disasters.

FEMA confirmed in a statement that Hamilton is no longer serving as acting administrator, as first reported by Politico. His dismissal adds to a growing list of senior leaders exiting the agency amid increasing uncertainty over its future.