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David Richardson Named Acting FEMA Administrator Without Senate Confirmation, Suspends Delegation Amid Leadership Concerns

5 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)

Updated May 11, 2025, 05:12 AM

David Richardson has been appointed as the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), replacing Cameron Hamilton. Richardson's formal title is Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator, a position he assumed on Thursday. However, he has not been officially nominated or confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

A Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the leadership change. Richardson has stated that all delegation of authority within FEMA is suspended and that decisions must go through him. Critics have noted that Richardson lacks experience in managing natural disasters, and some experts have expressed concerns about his leadership approach, citing his admission that he has "never read a book on leadership."

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7News DC

@7NewsDC

Formally, Richardson’s title is Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator. He was named to the new role on Thursday, however he has not been officially nominated or confirmed by the U.S. Senate. https://t.co/MIoOhjTqoy

HuffPost

@HuffPost

David Richardson, who was named acting administrator this week, does not appear to have any experience in managing natural disasters. https://t.co/Ujtl9qbxBD

Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret.

@stavridisj

New FEMA head say he has: "... never read a book on leadership." I have read many and written several. This is not a good way to start leading an organization. Intimidation is not a good strategy to build long-term capability & accomplishment. https://t.co/TGDUygPird