Former Navy SEAL Cameron Hamilton is set to be nominated by President Donald Trump as the permanent head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, despite being dismissed from the same position just months ago, sources reveal.
Hamilton served as FEMA’s interim chief from January through May of the previous year before his termination came one day following his congressional testimony. During his appearance before a House Appropriations subcommittee, he publicly opposed the president’s repeated suggestions to eliminate the disaster response agency.
“I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” he stated during his Capitol Hill testimony.
The emergency management agency has operated without a Senate-confirmed leader during Trump’s entire second presidency and is now under the guidance of its third interim chief. Critics argue this leadership instability weakens the agency’s ability to respond effectively to disasters.
Sources indicate Trump extended the nomination offer to Hamilton on Wednesday. The individual providing this information requested anonymity as they were not cleared to speak publicly about the matter. White House officials have not yet responded to requests for comment. The New York Times was first to report on Trump’s intention to select Hamilton for the position.
