President Donald Trump nominates Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), roughly a year after he was dismissed from the role of acting FEMA administrator. Multiple outlets report that Hamilton previously ran FEMA on an interim basis and was fired in 2025 after he publicly opposed efforts to abolish the agency. That opposition was made during testimony to a House appropriations subcommittee, where he argued that eliminating FEMA would not be in the best interests of the American people.
The renewed nomination is presented by outlets as notable because Trump has criticized FEMA in the past, and Hamilton’s prior removal followed his stance in support of keeping the agency. Several sources also describe Hamilton as a former Navy SEAL. Coverage characterizes the nomination as a potential sign of a shift in the administration’s approach to FEMA amid ongoing debate over the agency’s future. If confirmed, Hamilton would direct the federal disaster response organization and serve as a principal advisor on emergency management.
