FEMA's New Head Vows Reforms Amidst Federal Controversies

David Richardson, the newly appointed chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has taken a firm stance on organizational reforms. Addressing the staff on Friday, Richardson emphasized the suspension of delegated authority and warned that resistance to change would not be tolerated.

This leadership shift follows the ousting of former acting FEMA chief Cameron Hamilton, who opposed efforts to reduce the agency's scope. The Trump administration, supported by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, advocates for shifting many FEMA responsibilities to the state level, reducing federal involvement in disaster management.

Richardson's military background informs his approach, prioritizing a streamlined, law-abiding FEMA that collaborates more with state governments. His reforms coincide with broader federal staff reductions, which have already decreased FEMA's workforce by a third since Trump took office.

(With inputs from agencies.)