Storm of confusion! Who is David Richardson, the FEMA Chief unsure if hurricane season is a thing

Just as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season kicks off, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) finds itself at the center of controversy. Acting Administrator David Richardson reportedly told staff during a daily briefing that he was unaware the U.S. has a hurricane season—a comment that has left many questioning the agency's preparedness under his leadership.

The remark came during an 8:30 a.m. operational briefing attended by hundreds of FEMA employees and interagency partners. According to multiple sources, Richardson stated, "I didn't know the U.S. had a hurricane season," just as the season officially began on June 1.

Richardson, a former Marine Corps artillery officer, assumed the role of acting FEMA Administrator in May 2025, following the dismissal of his predecessor, Cameron Hamilton. Prior to this appointment, Richardson served as the Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.

His leadership style has raised eyebrows within the agency. In earlier meetings, Richardson reportedly told staff, "Don't get in my way... I will run right over you," signaling a top-down approach that some employees find unsettling.


No new disaster plans
Adding to the concern, Richardson announced that FEMA would not implement a new disaster response plan, despite earlier promises to do so. He cited a desire not to preempt recommendations from the FEMA Review Council, established by President Trump. This decision means the agency will rely on last year's response plan, even as forecasts predict an above-average hurricane season with up to 10 hurricanes.

As the hurricane season progresses, questions remain about FEMA's readiness under Richardson's leadership.


All about Hurricane season

Hurricane season isn’t just some vague time of year when storms “might” happen. It’s a very real, very active few months when Mother Nature rolls up her sleeves and reminds us who's boss. In the Atlantic (which includes the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean), hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30.

This is the time when warm ocean waters and atmospheric conditions team up to create massive rotating storms—hurricanes—that can bring crazy winds, heavy rain, flooding, and power outages. You’ve probably heard of Category 1 through 5 hurricanes. That’s based on wind speed, with Category 5 being the “yikes” level.

The peak of hurricane activity usually hits around mid-August to late September, so if you live anywhere near the coast, that’s when you want your go-bag packed, batteries stocked, and phone alerts turned on. If you live inland and think you’re safe—don’t. Hurricanes lose wind power as they move inland, but they still dump a ton of rain, trigger tornadoes, and mess with infrastructure

Hurricane season is no joke. Stay weather-aware, especially if you're on or near the coast. It’s not about panicking—it’s about being smart. Because when the winds pick up and the rain won’t stop, you’ll want to be prepared, not surprised.