In a move that signals a significant shift in strategy, Donald Trump is preparing to appoint a new leader for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), known for her assertive approach to management. Karen Evans, who has earned the moniker “The Terminator” for her decisive actions, is expected to take the helm as the agency’s third director this year alone. Her appointment follows the resignation of David Richardson, who stepped down after facing backlash over FEMA’s handling of the Texas floods.
Evans, who previously served as FEMA’s chief of staff and has a background in cybersecurity, is recognized for her unyielding stance on eliminating government inefficiencies. “Her nickname was the terminator,” a former senior official noted, reflecting on her track record of cutting grants, contracts, and personnel deemed unnecessary.
According to a former official who spoke with CNN, Evans is known for her rigorous scrutiny of government spending and her role as the “enforcer” at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Her job was to effectively grind FEMA to a halt,” the official remarked, highlighting her focus on curbing expenditures that do not meet the administration’s strategic priorities.
Another former agent explained that Evans’ approach involves minimizing financial outlays and ensuring that funds are directed only towards projects that align with the administration’s objectives. Her leadership is anticipated to bring about significant changes in how FEMA operates, especially regarding fiscal management and strategic alignment.
‘She’s the enforcer for DHS. Her job was to effectively grind FEMA to a halt.’
‘Her intent was just to put out the least amount of money possible and not put any money into places or activities that didn’t align, or even suggested may not align with their priorities,’ added another former agent.
Some have praised Evans for being ‘an effective force in DHS’ push to improve efficiency, cut perceived waste and reshape FEMA to fit the president’s priorities.’
However, her hunger for cleaning up government can often lead to unintended consequences.
Karen Evans (pictured) has become the new head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Donald Trump’s new head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been nicknamed ‘The Terminator’ as she sets out to recycle massive amounts of bureaucratic waste
‘She was going through, line by line, and disapproving things. She often didn’t know what they meant or what would happen.’
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has also kept a tight grip on FEMA programs and spending, requiring that she personally approve any agency expenditure over $100,000 which was criticized in the response to the deadly Texas floods earlier this year.
Evans has also gotten flack from liberals for allegedly pushing to stop Muslim organizations from getting grant funding.
The ‘terminator’ Evans apparently has some walking on eggshells when it comes to trying to get grants and aid out, per one senior FEMA official.
‘We had to ensure we were being polite and respectful. We had to write proposals to say things like, ‘We respectfully request your approval for …’ and couldn’t say things like, ‘Without this there will be a significant problem’ – as that was deemed ‘threatening.’
Trump appointed a 12-member review council led by Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to deliver recommendations on how to reform FEMA and push more responsibility to the states for disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
The council is expected to deliver its recommendations in December but some say Evans’ hiring is just to have a puppet in place for the administration to do what it wants.
‘Karen doesn’t have any real power. Karen is there to do whatever she’s told,’ an ex-senior official said.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has also kept a tight grip on FEMA programs and spending, requiring that she personally approve any agency expenditure over $100,000
The agency’s new policies came under fire after the deadly Texas floods earlier this year
Noem has long been a critic of FEMA and has even said she wants to ‘clean house’ and give more disaster relief power to the states.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
The agency has undergone major upheaval since Trump returned to office in January promising to vastly overhaul if not eliminate the agency.
About 18 percent of the agency´s permanent full-time employees had departed as of June, including 24 senior-level staffers, according to the Government Accountability Office.
The Trump administration also has slashed mitigation funding, placed requirements on preparedness grants that compel recipients to comply with Trump´s immigration agenda, and denied several states´ requests for major disaster declaration requests .
Evans takes over for David Richardson, who in his brief term remained largely out of public sight, is leaving the post after he faced a wave of criticism for his handling of the deadly Texas floods earlier this year.
He replaced previous acting head Cameron Hamilton in May.
‘The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security extend their sincere appreciation to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, David Richardson, for his dedicated service and wish him continued success in his return to the private sector,’ a DHS spokesperson said.
