Trump FEMA nominee Cameron Hamilton promises 'fair and reasonable' approach to disaster aid as confirmation hearing advances
Cameron Hamilton, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told senators Wednesday he would handle disaster aid decisions in a “fair and reasonable” manner as he seeks confirmation to head an agency facing continued uncertainty over its future.
Hamilton previously served briefly as FEMA’s acting leader in 2025 before being dismissed after publicly opposing efforts to eliminate the agency. His nomination comes amid shifting signals from the administration, which has recently stepped back from earlier suggestions that FEMA could be dismantled.
He was first appointed interim administrator in January 2025, shortly before the president raised the possibility of eliminating FEMA altogether. At the time, Hamilton had limited emergency management experience at the state or local level and had previously been critical of the agency.
During his short tenure, Hamilton later expressed concerns about proposals to abolish FEMA. In a House hearing, he said eliminating the agency would not be in the public interest. He was removed from his position the following day.
Testifying before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Hamilton said his focus would be on ensuring consistency and impartiality in how FEMA evaluates disaster declaration requests.
Hamilton did not deliver an opening statement and instead responded to questions from lawmakers, including concerns about political influence in disaster relief decisions.
His nomination is one of several being considered by the committee, which is reviewing multiple administration picks for senior roles across federal agencies.
Some senators criticized the pace and structure of the confirmation process, arguing that grouping multiple nominees into a single hearing limits oversight and transparency. Committee leadership responded that votes would proceed only after background and financial reviews are complete.
If confirmed, Hamilton would serve as the top adviser on emergency management to the president and the Department of Homeland Security leadership, overseeing FEMA at a time when the agency faces staffing challenges, operational strain, and ongoing internal restructuring debates.
FEMA has cycled through multiple temporary leaders in recent years, and Hamilton would become its first permanent administrator in the current administration. He would also be tasked with preparing the agency for the active disaster season ahead while navigating expected policy changes under the administration’s broader review of emergency management operations.
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