Trump Nominates Cameron Hamilton to Lead FEMA After Firing Him for Defending Agency

President Trump nominated Cameron Hamilton to permanently lead FEMA, a surprising reversal after firing him as acting administrator in May 2025 for publicly opposing plans to abolish the agency. Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL, was dismissed after telling Congress that eliminating FEMA was not "in the best interest of the American people." The nomination comes 15 months into Trump's second term and signals the administration is backing away from promises to dismantle the disaster relief agency. If confirmed, Hamilton would be FEMA's first permanent administrator under Trump's second term. The reversal highlights the chaotic and loyalty-driven nature of Trump's personnel decisions, where officials are punished for independence then later rehabilitated when politically convenient.

"I do not believe eliminating the agency is in the best interest of the American people." — Hamilton's May 2025 congressional testimony that led to his firing as acting FEMA administrator