Trump to Nominate Cameron Hamilton as FEMA Administrator

Hamilton, previously removed from the acting head role nearly a year ago, defended the agency's existence during congressional testimony in May 2025.

served as the senior official performing the duties of FEMA administrator during the first five months of Trump's second term, from January to May 2025.

As a former Navy SEAL and combat medic, he had four tours in Afghanistan and later supported crisis response teams at the State Department. Before his acting role at FEMA, Hamilton oversaw the Department of Homeland Security's division for emergency first responders.

to Removal In May 2025, Hamilton testified before a House committee that he did not believe FEMA should be eliminated.

This stance contradicted previous statements by Trump, who had expressed intentions to dismantle the agency. The day after the testimony, Hamilton was removed from his position. >"This is a personnel matter in regards to the Department of Homeland Security, but my understanding is that this individual testified saying something that was contrary to what the president believes and the goals of this administration in regards to FEMA policy.

And so, of course, we want to make sure that people in every position are advancing the administration’s goals," — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, May 2025 (NBC News). Tricia McLaughlin, then a DHS spokesperson, stated at the time that the removal was not a response to his testimony.

However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested the testimony factored into the decision.

Hamilton later told NBC News he was pushed out by Corey Lewandowski, a special government employee and top adviser to then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Wednesday, Hamilton met with Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin at the White House to discuss FEMA opportunities, according to an administration official.