“What’s a Hurricane Season?” FEMA Chief’s Comment Sparks Alarm

As storms loom, Acting Director David Richardson’s remark raises questions about FEMA’s readiness and leadership amid staffing cuts and strategic uncertainty.

Hey Small Biters,

during a routine FEMA staff briefing, Acting Administrator David Richardson reportedly expressed unfamiliarity with the U.S. hurricane season, stating, “What’s a hurricane season? Asking for a friend.” While a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson later clarified the comment was a joke, the remark unsettled many within the agency, especially given Richardson's lack of prior disaster management experience.

Richardson, a former Marine Corps artillery officer, was appointed in May 2025 after the abrupt dismissal of his predecessor, Cameron Hamilton, who had publicly opposed the Trump administration's proposal to eliminate FEMA. Richardson concurrently leads the DHS Office for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, raising concerns about his capacity to manage both roles effectively.

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The timing of Richardson's comment is particularly troubling as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season commenced on June 1, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting an above-average season, including up to 10 hurricanes.