Richardson, who previously led the Department of Homeland Security’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office, inherited FEMA’s top job in May after his predecessor was forced out for publicly contradicting the administration’s stated desire to shrink or even dismantle the agency. From his first day, Richardson projected an unorthodox and confrontational leadership style, telling thousands of staff members during an all-hands meeting, “Don’t get in my way,” and declaring that he alone spoke for FEMA.