Trump Names Ex-Navy SEAL to Lead FEMA

The Trump administration has appointed Cameron Hamilton, a former member of the Navy SEALs, as the temporary administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Hamilton, who has spoken about the importance of securing the southern border, was named the "senior official performing the duties of the administrator" on Monday.

Hamilton's appointment is seen as unusual, given his lack of experience in coordinating responses to large-scale disasters. Since Hurricane Katrina, FEMA has been led by disaster management professionals with experience in state or local emergency management agencies or as regional administrators at FEMA. Hamilton's background is in business strategy, having worked as the director of business strategy for a defense contractor in Virginia.

As acting administrator, Hamilton will lead the agency until President Trump nominates a permanent administrator and that person is confirmed by the Senate. The leading candidates for the permanent position include Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management.

Hamilton's priorities are likely to align with President Trump's, having made immigration and border security his top priorities during his unsuccessful run for Congress last year. As FEMA's acting leader, Hamilton may have the opportunity to work on border issues, although it is unclear how or whether President Trump will use FEMA to help secure the border or deport migrants.

Hamilton has been critical of FEMA in the past, having written posts on social media criticizing the agency's decision to move hurricane survivors in North Carolina out of temporary housing. He has also reposted messages criticizing FEMA for providing support for undocumented migrants.

Hamilton faces a challenging task at FEMA, with the agency currently responding to over 100 major disasters around the country, including the aftermath of fires in Los Angeles and the recovery from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.