Former FEMA Administrator Speaks Out About Kristi Noem's Downfall, Deadly Texas Flooding
Richardson said FEMA teams were already on the ground and he overrode DHS headquarters to send $500 million a day in support.
- On Tuesday, former Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator David Richardson released a book claiming FEMA provided necessary aid to Texas during the historic July Fourth weekend floods last year, despite criticism heaped on the agency's response.
- Richardson's book details friction with Homeland Security Kristi Noem over a memo requiring her signature for all contracts above $100,000, which employees warned would "kill" them during disasters.
- "I eventually had to make a decision where I overrode DHS headquarters and sent the support anyhow," Richardson said, noting costs reached $500 million daily for contracts during the Texas flood.
- Richardson resigned in December 2025, arguing FEMA should report directly to the President rather than the Department, which he called "bloated, overweight and unhealthy" while describing "spies" at headquarters.
- While House Democrats criticized the response, FEMA maintains its structure aligns resources to address national risks; Richardson insisted he successfully maneuvered around obstacles to ensure Texans received help.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Former FEMA administrator speaks out about Kristi Noem’s downfall, deadly Texas flooding - Regional Media News
(WASHINGTON) - The former acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator said that Texas got the help it needed during the historic and deadly flooding over July Fourth weekend last year, despite criticism heaped on the agency's response, according to a new book set for [...]
Former FEMA administrator speaks out about Kristi Noem's downfall, deadly Texas flooding
David Richardson attends the initial meeting of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, May 20, 2025. (Tia Dufour/DHS) (WASHINGTON) — The former acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator said that Texas got the help it needed during the historic and deadly flooding over July Fourth weekend last year, despite criticism heaped on the agency’s response, …
Former FEMA administrator speaks out about Kristi Noem's downfall, deadly Texas flooding - The Pulse of NH
David Richardson attends the initial meeting of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, May 20, 2025. (Tia Dufour/DHS)(WASHINGTON) -- The former acting Federal Emergency Manageme...
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