If you’ve been trying to keep track of who’s actually leading the Federal Emergency Management Agency lately, you’re definitely not alone. It has been a revolving door at the top. Since early 2025, we’ve seen leadership shifts that feel more like a political thriller than a boring government bureaucracy.
Right now, as of January 2026, Karen Evans is the person at the helm.
She took over as the new head of FEMA (acting) on December 1, 2025. This happened right after the previous acting director, David Richardson, abruptly stepped down. Honestly, the transition was anything but quiet. Richardson’s exit followed a pretty rough six months marked by massive floods in Texas and a whole lot of internal friction.
The Current State of FEMA Leadership
Karen Evans isn't a newcomer to the federal world. Before stepping into this role, she was the FEMA Chief of Staff. Even further back, she served as the Department of Homeland Security’s Chief Information Officer during the first Trump administration. She knows how the gears turn in Washington, which is probably why she was tapped to steady the ship after things got... well, chaotic.
But here is the thing: Evans is still "acting."
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In the world of DC politics, that matters. It means she hasn't been through the formal Senate confirmation process for a permanent spot. It also means the administration is likely still weighing its long-term options. There’s a lot of chatter about Nim Kidd, the head of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, being the favorite for the permanent gig. But until a formal nomination happens and sticks, Evans is the one holding the briefcase.
Why the Previous New Head of FEMA Left So Fast
To understand where FEMA is today, you have to look at the David Richardson era. It was short, lasting only from May to November 2025, but it was incredibly loud. Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer, didn't come from a disaster management background. He came from the DHS office that deals with weapons of mass destruction.
When he first arrived, he didn't exactly try to win hearts and minds. He famously told staffers on an agency-wide call that he would "run right over" anyone who tried to block the administration's new direction. He was very clear: he was there to shrink the agency and shift more responsibility—and costs—back to the states.
Things got really messy in the summer of 2025.
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During the deadly Central Texas floods in July, which tragically claimed 130 lives, Richardson was criticized for being invisible. There were reports that FEMA staff couldn't even reach him for 24 hours while the crisis was unfolding. Then there was that bizarre headline from June where he reportedly told staff he didn't realize the U.S. had a "hurricane season." DHS later claimed he was just joking, but the damage to his reputation inside the building was done.
The Push to Remake the Agency
You’ve probably heard the rumors that the government wants to "abolish" FEMA. While that's a catchy headline, the reality in 2026 is a bit more nuanced—but still pretty radical.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has been the primary face of this restructuring. The goal isn't necessarily to delete the agency from the org chart, but to fundamentally change what it does. They’re looking at:
- Massive Workforce Cuts: Leaked documents from early January 2026 suggest plans to slash the FEMA workforce by up to 50% by the end of the year.
- Decentralization: There is serious talk about moving the headquarters out of Washington, DC, and potentially to Texas.
- State-Led Response: The new mantra is that states should be the primary responders. FEMA would only step in as a last resort, rather than being the first one on the scene with a checkbook.
This shift has caused a ton of anxiety. On New Year's Eve 2025, about 65 jobs were cut from the Cadre of On-Call Response and Recovery (CORE). These are the people who actually deploy to disaster zones. For the people living in hurricane-prone or fire-prone areas, these staffing changes aren't just "inside baseball" politics—they could change how fast help arrives when a roof gets blown off.
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What This Means for You
If you're a homeowner or a local official, the "new head of FEMA" isn't just a name on a press release. It's a signal of how the federal government will treat the next big storm.
We’re seeing a much stricter approach to disaster declarations. Basically, the bar for the federal government to step in and provide cash is getting higher. If you live in a high-risk area, the days of relying on a federal safety net for every flood or storm might be fading.
Actionable Next Steps
Given the current volatility in FEMA leadership and the shift toward state responsibility, here is what you should actually do:
- Check Your Flood Insurance: The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was recently extended to January 30, 2026. Don't let your policy lapse. With the federal government tightening its belt, having your own private or NFIP coverage is more critical than ever.
- Know Your State Emergency Office: Since the new head of FEMA is pushing power back to the states, your state's emergency management agency (like TDEM in Texas or Cal OES in California) is now your most important contact. Find their website and sign up for their specific alerts.
- Audit Your Personal Preparedness: It sounds cliché, but if federal "surge" teams are being cut by 85%, you might be on your own for longer than the traditional 72 hours. Make sure your emergency kit and "go bag" are actually ready for a week, not just a weekend.
The landscape is changing fast. Whether it's Karen Evans or a future permanent appointee like Nim Kidd, the FEMA of 2026 is leaner, meaner, and much less likely to be the "first responder" we've grown used to over the last few decades.