Donald Trump is reportedly planning to reappoint a former FEMA boss who was earlier fired by Kristi Noem.
Trump Defies Kristi Noem as He Prepares to Rehire FEMA Boss Fired by Her Amid Hostile Fallout
After recent shake-ups in his administration, President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to nominate Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) almost a year after the latter was fired from the agency's acting director role.
Hamilton was ousted in May 2025 following a disagreement with then-Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem.
Sources familiar with the issue have reportedly claimed that the move is partly being perceived by many as a slight against Noem, who dismissed Hamilton from the role.
What Led to the Firing of Cameron Hamilton?
A New York Times report claims that Donald Trump is likely to nominate Cameron Hamilton to 'run FEMA.'
According to a report by CNN, sources have told the media outlet that Trump decided to nominate Hamilton to lead FEMA months after he was “unceremoniously fired” from the agency.
Hamilton served in an acting capacity and carried out his FEMA responsibilities from January 2025 to May 2025.
He was fired just a day after testifying before the Congress, where he disagreed with proposals to dismantle the agency tasked with coordinating the federal government’s response to disasters.
Hamilton, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, expressed his disagreements with Noem and political adviser Corey Lewandowski.
Sources reportedly claimed Lewandowski felt that Hamilton was not efficient and did not act quickly enough on proposed changes.
Hamilton was reportedly hesitant about the idea of scrapping FEMA. He had argued that while the agency needed “major reforms, preserving it was ultimately in the public’s best interest.”
According to the Associated Press, Hamilton said to members of a House Appropriations subcommittee, “I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.”
A political source stated that Trump offered Hamilton the position earlier this week.
According to reports, Hamilton's nomination is crucial for FEMA given the agency's uncertain future.
Trump has reportedly indicated that he wants to shift more disaster response responsibility to individual states and has established a FEMA Review Council.
Cameron Hamilton’s Potential FEMA Role Remains Unclear
The nature of Hamilton's potential role remains unclear. Relations between Hamilton and DHS officials became strained during his four months in the position.
Appearing as a guest on the Disaster Tough podcast, Hamilton said that he wanted to reduce unnecessary expenses and "downsize the agency," though he stopped short of endorsing its elimination.
It is important to note that Trump has not officially announced Hamilton’s nomination for the position and may very well select a different candidate.
However, as suggested by multiple reports, he is being touted as the leading candidate to bag Trump's nomination for the position of FEMA chief.