Wed Nov 20 15:00:00 UTC 2024: **FEMA Chief to Request Investigation into Allegations of Bias Against Trump Supporters**
WASHINGTON D.C. – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced Tuesday that she will request an inspector general investigation into allegations that FEMA employees were instructed to avoid homes displaying support for former President Trump during Hurricane Milton relief efforts.
The announcement came during Criswell’s testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where she faced questioning from Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) regarding the matter. Criswell maintained that the orders originated from a single employee, Marn’i Washington, and were not part of a broader agency policy. However, Washington, who was fired from FEMA, claims she is being scapegoated and that the avoidance policy was more widespread, driven by concerns about potential safety issues from some passionate Trump supporters. While acknowledging that some Trump supporters exhibited aggressive behavior, Washington stated that explicitly discriminating based on political affiliation would violate the Hatch Act.
Criswell’s commitment to an independent investigation follows earlier reports by Fox News that detailed Washington’s claims. Rep. Perry pressed Criswell on why an independent investigation, such as one conducted by the inspector general, was not initiated sooner. Criswell stated that the actions of the employee were unacceptable and that she welcomed the investigation.
The investigation will determine whether the incident was isolated or indicative of a wider problem within the agency. The outcome will likely have significant implications for FEMA’s handling of future disaster relief efforts and its commitment to non-partisan aid distribution.
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