Cameron Hamilton, a former U.S. Navy Seal and 7th District Congressional Candidate from Orange is serving as the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Hamilton took over as “senior official performing the duties of FEMA Administrator” on Jan. 22. He announced the role days later on his X account @FEMA_Cam saying he’s honored to step into the role and has a deep appreciation and admiration for FEMA’s mission “of helping people before, during and after disasters.” Hamilton himself has been critical of FEMA in the past. He took issue with the agency’s response to the devastation that occurred in western North Carolina via social media and repeated claims that FEMA had diverted disaster aid to help those illegally entering the U.S. from Mexico.
Now Hamilton hopes to address the issues FEMA has faced. In posts on X, he acknowledged the agency has some work to do, but “is ready to implement the President’s agenda and reform FEMA to better serve the American people.” Hamilton said he will prioritize enhancing FEMA’s operational focus and ensuring transparency. Open communication, he said, will strengthen the agency and help it be more effective and efficient.
Hamilton is no stranger to being a public servant. He enlisted in the Armed Forces in 2005, a fourth-generation service member, and served on SEAL Team Eight for four overseas deployments. He continued his service at the U.S. Department of State and served in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the director of the emergency medical services division. Locally, Hamilton sought to represent the 7th Congressional District. He lost in the Republican Primary to Derrick Anderson in June. Democrat Eugene Vindman was ultimately elected to the position.
As the acting administrator of FEMA, Hamilton has received criticism that he lacks the background for the head FEMA job. According to a report by Politico, the government accountability office has opened an inquiry into the appointment after receiving a request from top Democrats who questioned if Hamilton is legally serving in his position.
Even with his critics, Hamilton has hit the ground running, visiting western North Carolina meeting with county leaders to discuss ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. He’s also visited Los Angeles to assess the devastation caused by the recent wildfires.
North Carolina resident and outspoken FEMA critic Matt Van Swol praised Hamilton for not only apologizing for the ways the people of western North Carolina were failed, but for suggesting creative fixes. Van Swol said Hamilton also spoke to victims who had been impacted, offering solutions.
“I have high hopes for Cameron,” he said. “He’s smart, empathetic and creative in his thinking.”
