Trump taps former FEMA director to lead the disaster agency again

Cameron Hamilton, above, has been nominated by President Trump to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He previously led the agency in an acting capacity, but was removed by the Trump administration about a year ago after telling Congress that did not think the agency should be eliminated. Jose Luis Magana/AP hide caption toggle caption Jose Luis Magana/AP President Trump nominated Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), approximately one year after the administration removed Hamilton from the same position. FEMA has been without a Senate-confirmed leader since President Trump took office. Hamilton previously led the agency in an acting capacity. If he is confirmed by the Senate, he will re-take control of the agency as it heads into the Atlantic hurricane season. Last week, a Trump appointed council of disaster experts recommended major changes to how FEMA operates. Hamilton is a former Navy Seal who worked on emergency planning for terrorism events for the State Department and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to an official biographical summary submitted to Congress when he appeared as a witness last year. Hamilton temporarily led FEMA in the spring of 2025, but was removed by the Trump administration after a dramatic public disagreement with top administration officials about whether the agency should continue to exist. …