Washington, 18 November (Udaipur Kiran). David Richardson, the acting head of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has resigned after just six months in office. His resignation comes amid growing criticism over the agency’s handling of flood management in Texas. The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the development, stating that Richardson submitted his resignation on Monday morning.
According to a CBS News report, Richardson was appointed acting FEMA chief on 8 May this year after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem abruptly removed his predecessor, Cameron Hamilton. Before leading FEMA, Richardson served as Assistant Secretary in the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction.
A spokesperson for the Homeland Security Department said FEMA Chief of Staff Karen Evans will take charge from 1 December. The spokesperson praised Richardson and wished him well in his return to the private sector.
Richardson’s resignation comes at a time when the agency has been under intense scrutiny for its response to the devastating floods that struck Central Texas in July, claiming more than 157 lives. He faced sharp criticism for being unreachable during the disaster, including from lawmakers on Capitol Hill. FEMA officials said they were unable to contact the acting chief for several hours, complicating efforts to deploy search and rescue teams. As a result, Richardson was summoned to testify before Congress in July.
His resignation coincides with the period during which FEMA’s review council is expected to submit a report on the Texas floods to the President.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
