The Marine veteran tapped by President Donald Trump to temporarily lead FEMA is facing criticism after reportedly being unreachable during a deadly Texas flood. David Richardson, FEMA’s acting administrator since May, was allegedly out of contact for nearly 24 hours after flash floods devastated parts of Texas on the Fourth of July, according to a report by The Washington Post.
Eight current and former officials told the outlet that Richardson could not be reached at a critical moment when FEMA needed to mobilize resources. The delay, they said, hindered the agency’s response. Richardson, who was reportedly vacationing with his two sons, was allegedly not available to approve a mass deployment of aid to the flood-stricken Hill Country north of San Antonio.
Complicating the situation, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requires her approval for any FEMA expense above $100,000. Without Richardson’s input, officials said resources were left in limbo during a time when every minute mattered.
Internal Department of Homeland Security records showed Richardson was in the “National Capitol Region” that weekend. When questioned by lawmakers, he defended his actions, telling the House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee, “I was in my truck with my two boys and myself. I remained in my truck the whole time.”
The flooding left more than 130 people dead, including children at a summer camp, before Richardson was reportedly reachable on Sunday, July 6 — two days after the waters surged. The Post also reported that Richardson is known for disconnecting after hours. Two former colleagues said he “usually puts his phone in a box when he gets home and rarely answers it after hours.”
A FEMA spokesperson defended Richardson, saying, “Many in the federal government, including Acting Administrator Richardson, have loving families to attend to and to take care of, President Trump and Secretary Noem included. This administration fully supports families of public servants and appreciates the commitment and sacrifice it takes to serve America. Having a family does not diminish anyone’s ability to serve their country; rather, it enhances it.”
But critics argued his absence was more than poor timing. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey, told the Post, “Richardson is basically useless” as he is “absent from the office, unreachable in a disaster, and powerless because Secretary Noem has sidelined him.”
Richardson, 60, raised eyebrows earlier in his tenure when he admitted in a meeting that he could not “recall” his official title. He also surprised staff when he claimed he did not know the United States had a “hurricane season,” though a DHS spokesperson later said he was joking.