"President Donald Trump nominated Cameron Hamilton Monday to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a notable comeback for the former Navy SEAL who was fired from his role as FEMA's temporary leader last year after he defended its existence."
"His nomination comes as the Trump administration has increasingly signaled it is backing away from promises to dismantle FEMA, an agency that has faced withering criticism by the president. The nomination of Hamilton, who argued abolishing FEMA was not in the country's best interests, is the latest indication of that change."
"If confirmed, Hamilton would be the principal adviser to Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on emergency management and FEMA's first permanent administrator in Trump's second term. The agency has gone through three temporary leaders, including Hamilton's brief tenure from January to May 2025."
"Hamilton will need to ensure the agency is prepared for summer disaster season, just weeks away, while answering to Trump, who is likely to expect major reforms after a council he appointed recommended sweeping changes last Friday. "Now is the opportunity to stabilize FEMA," said Michael Coen, the agency's chief of staff in the Obama and Biden administrations."
President Donald Trump nominated Cameron Hamilton to become FEMA’s first permanent administrator in his second term. Hamilton previously served as FEMA’s temporary leader from January to May 2025 and was removed after defending FEMA’s existence. The nomination indicates the administration is backing away from earlier promises to dismantle FEMA despite criticism from Trump. If confirmed, Hamilton would advise Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on emergency management. FEMA is currently weakened by mass staff departures, policies that hamstrung operations, and a 75-day DHS shutdown that ended April 30. Hamilton would also need to prepare for the summer disaster season and implement reforms expected after a council recommended sweeping changes.
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