New FEMA head tells staff: "Don't get in my way… I will run right over you"
New FEMA head tells staff: "Don't get in my way… I will run right over you"
New FEMA head tells staff: "Don't get in my way… I will run right over you"
Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson warns FEMA personnel in first all-hands meeting, saying "I and I alone speak for FEMA."
During his first all-hands meeting with agency personnel, acting Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Richardson issued a striking warning: "Don't get in my way," the former United States Marine Corps ground combat officer told staff, according to a recording of the speech obtained by CBS News.
"Obfuscation, delay, undermining," Richardson continued, referencing tactics he believed a fraction of FEMA staff might try to subvert his agenda. "If you're one of those 20% of the people and you think those tactics and techniques are going to help you, they will not, because I will run right over you. I will achieve the president's intent."
Richardson's formal title is Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator. He was named to the role Thursday and has not been formally nominated nor confirmed by the U.S. Senate.