Official statement or report from the office of Governor Ron DeSantis

FEMA Chief Denies Skipping Trump Homes After Hurricanes Milton, Helene; Will Seek Investigation

Nov 19, 2024, 03:27 PM

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell testified before Congress to address allegations that agency employees were instructed to avoid providing disaster relief to homes displaying signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump. The controversy arose after reports surfaced that FEMA workers were told to bypass such homes during relief efforts following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Criswell denied any such policy, stating, "There is nothing in our policies and our procedures that would direct any employee to bypass anybody's home based on their political party." She indicated she would welcome an independent investigation by the inspector general into the claims. The administrator also mentioned that a different team had been sent to the homes that were skipped, and the employee involved had been fired. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis launched an investigation into the allegations. Lawmakers, including Rep. Mark Green and Rep. Scott Perry, expressed concern over the reports and are demanding interviews with FEMA employees. An ex-FEMA employee, Marn'i Washington, who was fired over the incident, claimed she was "framed" and that the order to avoid certain houses came from her direct superior based on previous team encounters.