Trump Reappoints Former FEMA Chief Cameron Hamilton One Year After Firing

United States President Donald Trump has nominated former acting FEMA chief Cameron Hamilton to permanently lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, nearly a year after he was removed from the same role.

Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL who briefly served as acting FEMA administrator from January to May 2025, was dismissed after publicly opposing calls within the Trump administration to dismantle the agency. During a congressional hearing in May 2025, Hamilton stated that abolishing FEMA was “not in the best interest of the American people,” comments that reportedly led to his removal the following day.

Trump’s decision to renominate Hamilton is being viewed by analysts as a significant shift in the administration’s stance toward FEMA, an agency the president had previously criticized heavily while suggesting states should take greater responsibility for disaster management.

If confirmed by the Senate, Hamilton would become FEMA’s first permanent administrator during Trump’s second term. The agency has operated under a series of temporary leaders since his dismissal, including David Richardson, who succeeded Hamilton in 2025.

Reports indicate that Hamilton’s nomination could face scrutiny during Senate confirmation hearings due to concerns over his limited experience leading state or local emergency management agencies. However, supporters within the emergency management community have praised him for defending FEMA’s role in supporting states and disaster-hit communities despite political pressure.

The nomination comes as FEMA continues to deal with staffing shortages, operational challenges, and uncertainty over its future role within the Department of Homeland Security.