Acting head of FEMA resigns after short tenure, Washington Post reports

(Reuters) -David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), resigned on Monday, the Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the situation.

Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer, is the latest acting leader to resign from the role during President Donald Trump’s second term.

His predecessor was fired in May, after he told Congress the agency should not be dismantled. Trump has said he wants to downsize FEMA, arguing state governments can handle many of its functions.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, did not immediately respond to request for comment. 

FEMA plays a central role in the U.S. response to major disasters, including hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season is slated to end this month. 

Richardson kept a low public profile compared to FEMA leaders under previous presidents, appearing rarely in public. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has served as the face of the administration’s response to natural disasters during Trump’s second term.