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FEMA Fires Marn'i Washington for Skipping Trump Homes; Allegations of Wider Bias Spark Investigations

Nov 12, 2024, 04:23 PM

A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee, identified as Marn'i Washington, has been fired after instructing disaster relief workers to avoid homes displaying support for former President Donald Trump during recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene in Florida. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell confirmed the termination, stating that the employee's actions were a clear violation of FEMA's core values and principles to help people regardless of political affiliation. The incident has been referred to the Office of Special Counsel. Washington claims she is being made a scapegoat and alleges that the directive was not isolated, asserting that similar instructions were given in North Carolina and South Carolina. She also stated that FEMA teaches "avoidance first, then de-escalation." Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that the state will investigate the scandal independently. Representative Greg Steube suggested that officials in Washington, D.C., were directing and advising officials to ignore homes with Trump flags. Lawmakers and officials have expressed outrage, calling for accountability and thorough investigation into FEMA's practices to ensure fair and unbiased disaster aid.