House Probes Shocking Allegations Against FEMA

House Homeland Security Committee launches investigation into alleged FEMA bias against Trump supporters during disaster relief efforts.

At a Glance

House committee investigates potential “systemic bias” against Trump supporters by FEMA employees.
Former FEMA employee claims relief workers were instructed to avoid homes with Trump signs.
Committee requests interviews with key FEMA officials, including Region 4 Administrator.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemns alleged actions as violation of agency values.
Further oversight actions and congressional testimony planned to address the issue.

Committee Launches Inquiry into FEMA Bias Allegations

The House Homeland Security Committee has initiated an investigation into allegations of “systemic bias” against Trump supporters by FEMA employees during disaster relief operations. The inquiry stems from claims made by former FEMA employee Marn’i Washington, who stated that relief workers were instructed to avoid homes displaying support for then-President-elect Donald Trump during Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.

Committee Chair Mark Green, along with Representatives Dan Bishop and Anthony D’Esposito, signed a letter expressing deep concern over these allegations. The committee has requested interviews with key FEMA officials, including Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan, Deputy Region 4 Administrator Robert Ashe, and Chad Hershey, the lead for FEMA’s disaster survivor assistance crew.

From colleague Tyler Olson. House Homeland Security Committee demands interviews with three FEMA employees on possible "systemic bias" against Trump supporters — as the agency deals with fallout from now-fired employee Marn'i Washington telling relief workers to skip houses…

— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) November 18, 2024

Former Employee’s Claims and FEMA’s Response

Marn’i Washington, the former FEMA employee at the center of the controversy, claims she was following orders from her superiors and is being scapegoated. She argues that the avoidance of certain homes was based on safety concerns, not political bias, and references the Hatch Act in relation to political discrimination.

“I’m just simply executing, again, what was coming down from my superiors” – Washington

In response to these allegations, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has strongly condemned the alleged actions, describing them as “reprehensible” and a violation of FEMA’s values. Criswell is scheduled to testify before congressional committees regarding these issues, aiming to bring transparency to the situation.

Committee’s Concerns and Next Steps

The House Homeland Security Committee has expressed serious concerns about the potential for systemic bias within FEMA against Trump supporters. In their letter, the lawmakers stated, “Ms. Washington’s statement contradicts FEMA’s press release and points to a possibly systemic bias within FEMA against individuals that support President-elect Donald J. Trump.”

The committee plans to conduct further oversight actions and interviews regarding FEMA’s practices. These steps aim to ensure that disaster relief efforts are carried out without any political bias and that all affected individuals receive the assistance they need, regardless of their political affiliations.