FEMA acting administrator David Richardson has resigned amid devastating criticism over his catastrophic mishandling of the Central Texas floods that killed over 130 Americans, exposing the federal agency’s continued failures under bureaucratic dysfunction.
Story Highlights
- Richardson resigned after being unreachable for hours during the deadly Texas floods that claimed 130+ lives.
- Acting administrator, shockingly, told colleagues he was unaware that the U.S. has a hurricane season.
- His authoritarian leadership style included threatening to “run right over” FEMA staff who questioned him.
- Trump administration prepares comprehensive FEMA restructuring as President signals agency elimination.
Failed Leadership During Critical Emergency
David Richardson submitted his resignation on Monday morning after serving as FEMA’s acting administrator since May 8, 2025. His departure follows intense scrutiny over the agency’s botched response to July’s devastating Central Texas floods.
Richardson became unreachable for hours during the crisis, preventing critical search-and-rescue deployments while 130 Americans lost their lives, including 27 children and counselors at Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River.
Congressional lawmakers and FEMA officials condemned Richardson’s absence during the emergency. CBS News reported that his inaccessibility directly complicated life-saving operations when Americans needed federal disaster response most.
This represents exactly the kind of government failure that conservative Americans have grown tired of witnessing from federal bureaucrats who prioritize personal agendas over public service.
FEMA Head David Richardson Steps Down From Role After Six Months, Criticism Over Texas Floodshttps://t.co/jrfkinQnHj pic.twitter.com/eU19FrmX7F
— Forbes (@Forbes) November 17, 2025
Shocking Incompetence and Authoritarian Management
Richardson’s tenure revealed alarming gaps in basic emergency management knowledge. Sources reported he told colleagues he was unaware the United States has a hurricane season, raising serious concerns among experienced emergency managers.
This stunning admission demonstrates the incompetence that plagued federal agencies under previous administrations, where political appointments often trumped actual qualifications and expertise.
His leadership approach alienated agency staff from day one. During his first all-hands meeting, Richardson threatened employees: “Don’t get in my way … I will run right over you,” while declaring, “I and I alone speak for FEMA.”
This authoritarian style contradicts effective emergency management, which requires coordination and collaboration during life-threatening disasters affecting American communities.
Bureaucratic Dysfunction Under Noem’s Leadership
Richardson’s failures occurred within broader bureaucratic problems under DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s oversight. Current and former FEMA employees criticized administrative bottlenecks, including requirements that Noem personally approve any expenditure exceeding $100,000.
These bureaucratic barriers slow emergency response when minutes matter in saving American lives during natural disasters.
At July congressional hearings, Richardson defended FEMA’s performance as a “model” disaster response despite overwhelming evidence of failures.
He disputed reports of delayed deployments and communication breakdowns while denying lapses in disaster helpline contracts. This defensive posture reflects the institutional arrogance that conservative Americans recognize as symptomatic of federal agency dysfunction.
Trump Administration Moves Toward FEMA Restructuring
Richardson’s resignation coincides with the FEMA Review Council’s anticipated report to President Trump outlining comprehensive agency restructuring recommendations.
The White House ordered this assessment to evaluate FEMA’s performance during the Biden administration and deliver reform proposals by November. Trump has repeatedly indicated FEMA “should be eliminated as it exists,” signaling major changes ahead.
Noem directed the council to fundamentally “reimagine” rather than merely evaluate the agency. FEMA chief of staff Karen Evans will assume Richardson’s duties starting December 1, 2025, while the Trump administration prepares broader reforms.
This represents the kind of government accountability and restructuring that conservative voters demanded when they elected Trump to drain the swamp and restore competent federal emergency management.
