FEMA Chief Fired After Opposing Trump’s Call to Scrap the Agency [WATCH]

Cameron Hamilton, the recently dismissed head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was terminated this week after publicly contradicting President Donald Trump’s position on the agency during congressional testimony, the White House confirmed Friday.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a briefing that Hamilton’s remarks on Capitol Hill did not align with the administration’s objectives, prompting his immediate removal.

“My understanding is that this individual testified saying something that was contrary to what the president believes and the goals of this administration with regards to FEMA policy,” Leavitt stated.

“And so, of course, we want to make sure that people in every position are advancing the administration’s goals.”

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Leavitt referred further questions to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees FEMA.

“We leave it up to our great Cabinet secretaries when it comes to personnel matters,” Leavitt added.

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Hamilton was relieved of his duties less than 24 hours after testifying before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.

During the hearing, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) asked Hamilton whether he supported the Trump administration’s position on FEMA, specifically referencing the president’s prior statements calling for the agency’s dissolution.

“As the senior adviser to the president on disasters and emergency management and to the secretary of Homeland Security, I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” Hamilton told lawmakers.

“Having said that, I am not in a position to make decisions and impact outcomes.”

New:

Q: Should FEMA be eliminated?

FEMA Acting Administrator: “I do not believe it is in the best interests of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.”

Cam Hamilton said there should be major reforms but it should not be eliminated. pic.twitter.com/7OjDFSVnQf

— Reuben Jones (@ReubenJones1) May 7, 2025

Hamilton further outlined reform ideas for the agency, emphasizing the need for local and state governments to lead disaster response operations and calling for streamlined procedures within FEMA.

He said his mission, in line with the administration’s goals, was to “refocus this organization in order to better serve the American people under President Trump’s mandate.”

However, the core of Hamilton’s comments — rejecting the idea of eliminating FEMA — ran counter to statements made by President Trump earlier this year.

During a Jan. 24 visit to storm-affected areas in North Carolina, the president told reporters, “I think we’re going to recommend that FEMA go away. I’d like to see the states take care of disasters.”

🚨BREAKING: Trump just announced an executive order to REFORM or ELIMINATE FEMA:

“I’ll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming or maybe getting rid of FEMA. I think, frankly, FEMA is not good.“
pic.twitter.com/aQuOKHua9c

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 24, 2025

Trump also remarked at the time that FEMA reform or dismantling would be a priority in his second term, citing concerns over bureaucracy and inefficiency.

Hamilton’s abrupt departure sparked a response from some members of Congress. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) defended Hamilton in a post on X saying the dismissal was a significant loss.

“I know @CameronVA and he is a great American, a veteran, and a friend. He was serving his country AGAIN – ably and honorably – including advocating for FEMA reform that would allow managing through the hurricane season,” Roy wrote. “This is a loss for America.”

I know @CameronVA and he is a great American, a veteran, and a friend. He was serving his country AGAIN – ably and honorably – including advocating for FEMA reform that would allow managing through the hurricane season. This is a loss for America. https://t.co/K83F4IvNWt

— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) May 8, 2025

The White House has not yet announced a replacement for Hamilton.

His termination comes just as hurricane season approaches, a time when FEMA typically coordinates closely with state governments in emergency preparedness and response.

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