Former FEMA admin speaks out about Kristi Noem's downfall, TX flooding
Summary
The former acting FEMA administrator, David Richardson, said Texas received the help it needed during deadly flooding last July despite criticism of the response. He described how a new rule requiring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to personally approve large contracts slowed aid, contributing to her loss of support and his own sudden resignation in late 2025.Key Facts
- David Richardson was acting FEMA administrator during the Texas floods over the July Fourth weekend in 2025.
- He said FEMA had prepared for worst-case scenarios and provided needed help to Texas victims.
- Kristi Noem, then Secretary of Homeland Security, issued a memo requiring contracts over $100,000 to be approved by her personally.
- This requirement caused delays and more bureaucracy during emergency aid efforts.
- Richardson overrode Noem’s rule to send support to Texas faster.
- He believes this contract approval memo led to Noem’s political downfall.
- Richardson resigned from FEMA abruptly in December 2025.
- He stayed in Washington initially because he wanted to ensure funds were available before visiting Texas.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
