Donald Trump has renominated Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to reports sent to the Senate. Hamilton was previously fired after publicly opposing plans to eliminate FEMA. [1, 2]
Hamilton told a House appropriations subcommittee that he did not believe it was in the best interests of the American people to eliminate the agency. Trump has repeatedly said disaster preparedness should be shifted more to state and local governments. Kristi Noem said, "I think the president recognizes that Fema should not exist the way that it always has been." [1, 2]
The nomination was included on a list of new picks sent to the Senate. The reports say FEMA has had 3 acting administrators under Trump and has faced staffing and leadership disruptions. [2]
Shana Udvardy of the Union of Concerned Scientists said Monday, "President Trump is revealing his chaotic governing style by nominating a candidate who was fired last year and who lacks the experience and qualifications for the job as required under law." She also said Hamilton returns to an agency "depleted by thousands of job cuts, unstable leadership and resource reductions." [1]
Hamilton was first ousted in May 2025, and more than 12 FEMA employees who had criticized the administration and its cuts were reinstated last month. The Senate will now review the nomination. [1, 2]
