FEMA Faces Scrutiny Over Allegations of Political Bias in Disaster Relief Efforts

Lawmakers investigate claims of discrimination against Trump supporters after fired FEMA supervisor alleges broader agency practices.

FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington was fired for instructing workers to avoid homes displaying Trump signs during Hurricane Milton recovery efforts in Florida.
Washington claims her guidance was part of a broader agency policy to avoid politically hostile environments, though FEMA leadership has denied this and called the incident isolated.
The House Homeland Security and Oversight Committees are investigating whether political bias in FEMA relief efforts is systemic, citing whistleblower accounts from Florida and Georgia.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell testified that the agency acted swiftly to address the incident and reaffirmed FEMA’s commitment to nonpartisan service for all Americans.
Lawmakers have requested additional documentation, interviews, and whistleblower testimony to determine the extent of any potential misconduct or discriminatory practices within FEMA.