Trump taps acting administrator Gaynor to lead FEMA
President Donald Trump on Thursday tapped Pete Gaynor, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s acting administrator, to permanently lead the agency.
The White House withdrew its previous nominee, Jeffrey Byard, earlier this month after his Senate confirmation landed in jeopardy over an accusation he was involved in an altercation, according to a White House official.
Gaynor has served as FEMA’s acting director since March 2019 after former head Brock Long resigned following a controversy over his personal use of government vehicles.
Gaynor’s nomination, which was widely expected, comes after the former Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency director recently oversaw the federal response to Hurricane Dorian.
At that time, Trump came under scrutiny for having a Senate-confirmed official leading the federal agency. Trump responded by saying an acting official “gives you great flexibility that you don’t have with permanent.”
Gaynor is one of many officials currently serving in acting roles in the Trump administration. Other top posts without a Senate-confirmed head include U.N ambassador, director of national intelligence and Homeland Security secretary, who also plays a major role in overseeing disaster relief efforts.
