Congressman John Garamendi questioned Trump’s Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson during a Congressional Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Hearing regarding the future of FEMA under the Trump administration. Garamendi highlighted President Trump’s previous statements about potentially eliminating FEMA, including comments made in Trump’s first week in office and statements from Secretary Noem about the agency’s elimination.
Garamendi emphasized the critical role FEMA plays, especially in light of recent natural disasters, and expressed concern over the agency’s reduced staffing and leadership changes under the administration. During the exchange, Garamendi sought a commitment from Richardson that FEMA would continue to exist and fulfill its legal responsibilities. Richardson responded by stating the President’s desire for a better emergency management system but did not directly confirm FEMA’s future, leaving Garamendi unsatisfied with the vague assurances provided.
