On Thursday, House lawmakers scrutinized FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, pressing her for explanations after it was revealed that a staff member suggested relief workers disregard homes belonging to Trump supporters in Florida.
A letter from 35 Republicans on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which was shared with The Daily Wire, criticized Criswell for her management of relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. They insisted on a briefing from Criswell to discuss the controversial guidance initially uncovered by The Daily Wire, which involved now-dismissed supervisor Marn’i Washington instructing crews to avoid homes displaying Trump signs or flags in Lake Placid.
“In reporting that first emerged from The Daily Wire, it was revealed that a FEMA supervisor sent a best practices message to FEMA workers canvassing the Florida area impacted by Hurricane Milton, which instructed the workers to ‘avoid homes advertising Trump,’” the letter said.
The letter, signed by Transportation Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) and Subcommittee Chair Scott Perry (R-PA), demanded that a briefing take place by December 2.
Whistleblowers informed The Daily Wire that about 20 properties were overlooked due to this guidance. In response, FEMA labeled the situation as an “isolated incident” and took action by terminating Washington’s employment.
The Republican representatives requested documentation detailing when officials became aware of the guidance and the steps taken in response. A whistleblower complaint concerning the instructions was lodged on October 27, with Washington being let go on November 9.
“As the FEMA Administrator, you are responsible for leading the Nation’s efforts to prepare for, protect against, and respond to natural disasters. The Committee is troubled that under your leadership FEMA failed to aid all Americans, regardless of party affiliation,” the letter said.
“Your inability to ensure that FEMA provide relief to all Americans affected by disasters, free of discrimination, represents a substantial failure of leadership. The blatant disregard of President-elect Trump supporters directly contradicts FEMA’s core mission and values,” they added.
They further claimed that FEMA’s state of readiness has declined due to an emphasis on equity and climate change initiatives. Citing instances from North Carolina, they noted that local residents have expressed complaints regarding FEMA’s slow responses following Hurricane Helene’s devastation.
“It is clear that, under the Biden-Harris Administration, FEMA has been ill-prepared to provide assistance and relief to many Americans in need,” they wrote. “At the briefing, FEMA should be prepared to discuss concerns related to the agency’s failure to aid Americans regardless of party affiliation, including the steps FEMA has taken to assist unaided families, policies implemented to prevent future political discrimination, and the prevalence at which the agency fell derelict in its duty to assist victims.”
Criswell is scheduled to appear before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management on Tuesday morning, followed by a session with the House Oversight Committee later that day.
