FEMA Official Violated Hatch Act by Directing Staff to Avoid Trump Supporters’ Homes

Marn’i Washington faces potential penalties after a federal watchdog found her actions during Hurricane Milton relief efforts were politically motivated.

• The U.S. Office of Special Counsel determined that former FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington violated the Hatch Act by instructing staff to avoid homes displaying Trump campaign signs during Hurricane Milton relief efforts in Florida.
• Washington, who was fired in November 2024, claimed her directive was based on safety concerns for FEMA staff, but investigators found no evidence of such threats in the areas affected.
• The Merit Systems Protection Board will decide on possible penalties, which could include civil fines or a ban on future federal employment.
• FEMA leadership, including former Administrator Deanne Criswell, denied that Washington’s actions reflected any broader agency policy, describing the incident as isolated.
• This case has reignited partisan debates over the politicization of federal disaster relief, with some officials raising concerns about misinformation and safety threats faced by FEMA workers.

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