New FEMA head says he will 'run right over' staff who resist his changes

Washington: David Richardson, the new head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told staff on Friday he will "run right over" staff that resist changes to the agency and that all delegation of authority in the agency is immediately suspended.

Richardson spoke one day after he was appointed to replace acting FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton, who was ousted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after telling a congressional hearing he did not support eliminating the agency.

President Donald Trump and Noem have called for the agency to be shrunk or even abolished, arguing that many of its functions can be carried out by the states.

Richardson, a former Marine artillery officer and combat veteran, told staff in an all-hands call that was heavy on references to his military experience that all decisions, including those on spending, would go through him.

Richardson, who was most recently assistant secretary for DHS' office for countering weapons of mass destruction, warned staff against resisting his reforms.

He said he was determined to carry out Trump's directives relating to the agency.

"Obfuscation, delay, undermining. If you're one of those 20 per cent of people and you think those tactics and techniques are going to help you, they will not, because I will run right over you," Richardson told the meeting.

The leadership change comes at a time when the agency, which is in charge of coordinating the federal government's response to disasters, is helping states and local communities prepare for the onset of hurricane season on June 1.