Senate Committee Considers Cameron Hamilton Appointment to FEMA Administrator

By Noah Patton, NLIHC Director of Disaster Recovery 

The Senate Homeland Security Government Operations Committee (HSGAC) held a hearing to consider President Trump’s nomination of Cameron Hamilton to become FEMA administrator and additional nominees on June 17. Hamilton had previously served as an acting administrator of the agency in early 2025 before being removed from the post for defending the agency’s existence during a congressional hearing.  

It is unclear whether Hamilton’s nomination meets the requirements of the “Stafford Act,” the law that governs FEMA, which requires that administrators of the agency have significant professional background in Emergency Management. He also has a history of making inflammatory and false comments about the agency on social media, alleging that FEMA had diverted disaster aid to “resettle illegal aliens in this country” in 2024.  

Hamilton earned respect from FEMA staff during his brief tenure. Employees noted his open-minded approach and his willingness to revise his initial perceptions of the agency. After leaving, he commended FEMA employees for their dedication. His shift in perspective contributed to his removal as acting administrator. While the administration, including then-DHS Secretary Noem, sought to dismantle FEMA and reduce its resources, Hamilton stated during a congressional briefing that dismantling the agency was “not in the interest of the American people.” He was removed from his position days later. 

It remains unclear what internal changes the new administrator will implement at FEMA. During his June 17 confirmation hearing, Hamilton was asked by Democratic Senators how he would address perceived political bias in presidential disaster declarations, which are decided by the president with FEMA's recommendations. Seventy-five percent of requests from Democratic-led states have been denied during the current administration. Hamilton assured Senators that the law would be followed but did not address the disparity directly. He also committed to IT modernization and acknowledged that recent staff departures have left FEMA understaffed ahead of the 2026 hurricane and wildfire season. 

HSGAC will hold final votes on Hamilton’s nomination after financial and background checks are completed.  

NLIHC’s Disaster Recovery, Research, and Resilience team and the NLIHC-led Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition will continue to work with state and local partners to monitor FEMA response to disasters and push for much needed reforms.