FEMA Acting Administrator Richardson Resigns

David Richardson, the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, resigned on Monday after a six-month tenure marked by internal challenges and criticism over the agency's response to major disasters. His departure, confirmed by multiple senior administration officials, leaves FEMA without a permanent leader as the Atlantic hurricane season draws to a close this month.

Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer with no prior experience in emergency management, assumed the role on May 8 following the abrupt removal of his predecessor, Cameron Hamilton. Hamilton had been ousted after publicly opposing administration efforts to reduce FEMA's scope, according to officials familiar with the matter. Richardson's time in charge coincided with President Donald Trump's push to downsize the agency, which he has argued can be largely handled by state governments. Since January, FEMA has lost about 2,500 employees through buyouts, firings, and other incentives, shrinking its workforce to roughly 23,350, as detailed in a September Government Accountability Office report.

From the outset, Richardson's leadership drew scrutiny. In his first all-hands meeting with staff in...