GOP Calls For Investigation Into Allegations FEMA Ignored Trump-Supporting Areas
House Republicans are demanding an investigation into claims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) discriminated against Trump supporters in Florida and North Carolina. The allegations suggest FEMA workers avoided providing aid to homes displaying Trump-related campaign signs during hurricane relief efforts.
Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari urging a comprehensive inquiry. They highlighted reports that former FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington directed workers in Lake Placid, Florida, to bypass homes with Trump campaign signs.
The lawmakers also pointed to allegations that FEMA employees in North Carolina avoided neighborhoods with signs reading “Make America Great Again” or “Drain the Swamp.” Reports claim relief teams ignored entire areas when three or more such signs were present, potentially leaving residents unaware of available federal aid.
The House Committee expressed concern that these actions could reflect systemic bias within FEMA, calling for immediate oversight. FEMA Director Deanne Criswell testified last month that the Florida incident was isolated and that the agency does not endorse policies encouraging political discrimination. She pledged to request an investigation and later confirmed that a review was initiated through the Inspector General’s office.
Marn’i Washington, who was fired over the allegations, has denied acting alone. She claims similar avoidance actions were carried out by FEMA teams across both states. Washington has said she is being used as a scapegoat for broader practices.
Republicans say the alleged actions raise troubling questions about fairness in disaster relief. They argue the investigation must uncover whether political bias influenced FEMA’s decision-making and whether it has harmed vulnerable Americans during emergencies.
