FEMA Administrator Faces Allegations of Bias Against Trump Supporters

Deanne Criswell, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), recently faced scrutiny in a Congressional hearing regarding allegations of bias against supporters of former President Donald Trump. These allegations arose from claims that FEMA workers were instructed to avoid homes displaying pro-Trump signs during disaster relief efforts.

Appearing before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Criswell pledged to request an investigation by the Inspector General into these claims. She clarified that the directive, allegedly issued by a FEMA employee, was an isolated incident and not part of a broader agency policy. «The investigation includes those that were deployed in this particular incident, and we have found no evidence that there is anything beyond this one employee’s specific direction,» Criswell stated.

Subcommittee Chairman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, questioned Criswell about the scope of FEMA’s internal investigation. He pressed for an independent review, to which Criswell responded, «And I would welcome an investigation by the IG,» confirming, «I will request one.»

The employee in question, Marn’i Washington, who has since been dismissed from her role, claimed during a Fox News interview that she was being unfairly singled out. Washington asserted that the actual directive to avoid pro-Trump homes stemmed from a broader policy aimed at «avoidance» and «de-escalation» in potentially unsafe situations, with no intent to target individuals based on their political beliefs.

Washington further emphasized that targeting relief efforts based on political affiliations would contravene the Hatch Act. She pointed out, however, that safety concerns sometimes necessitate such measures, citing examples including urban areas with unleashed dogs.

This controversy follows the delivery of assistance after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with Washington claiming that certain pro-Trump homes were allegedly avoided by FEMA staff. The claims have sparked debate over FEMA’s neutrality and conduct in disaster relief operations.