Trump nominates Cameron Hamilton to run FEMA : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-05-11 19:59:00 — www.npr.org
President Trump has nominated Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), approximately one year after Hamilton was removed from the same position by the Trump administration. Hamilton previously served as the agency’s acting leader and is a former Navy Seal with experience in emergency planning for terrorism events. If confirmed by the Senate, he will take charge of FEMA as it prepares for the Atlantic hurricane season.
Hamilton’s removal in 2025 followed a public disagreement with top administration officials regarding the future of FEMA. Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “President Trump has been very clear since the beginning that he believes that FEMA and its response in many, many circumstances has failed the American people, and that FEMA as it exists today should be eliminated.” In contrast, Hamilton testified before Congress, asserting, “I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.” Following his testimony, he was replaced and later described his relationship with DHS officials as “very hostile.”
Since his removal, Hamilton has criticized the Trump administration’s handling of disaster response, highlighting inefficiencies under his successor. He noted that new bureaucratic policies were delaying assistance to disaster survivors, stating that these changes could be seen as “lying” about FEMA’s efficiency. As Hamilton faces Senate confirmation hearings, lawmakers from both parties have expressed frustration over the prolonged wait times for disaster assistance and federal grant money.
### How this sits against verifiable accuracy
The excerpt indicates that President Trump believes FEMA has failed the American people and should be eliminated, as stated by Kristi Noem. Hamilton’s counter-argument during his Congressional testimony suggests a significant disagreement regarding the agency’s future and effectiveness. The excerpt does not provide any direct statements from Trump himself but reflects the administration’s stance through Noem’s comments.
### What the excerpt shows about verifiable lies
No verifiable lies are presented in the excerpt.
### Targets and tone
The excerpt shows President Trump, through Kristi Noem, expressing a critical view of FEMA, suggesting it has failed the American people and should be eliminated. This reflects a hostile stance towards the agency’s current operations.
In summary, the nomination of Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA comes amid ongoing debates about the agency’s effectiveness and the Trump administration’s approach to disaster management. The tensions highlighted in the excerpt underscore the challenges Hamilton may face if confirmed.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/11/nx-s1-5818675/trump-fema-disaster-emergency-hamilton-nominate