Official FEMA press releases or statements

Florida AG Sues FEMA After Supervisor Marn'i Washington Fired for Instructing Staff to Skip Trump Supporters Post-Hurricanes

Nov 14, 2024, 05:30 PM

FEMA supervisor Marn'i Washington was dismissed after instructing disaster relief workers in Florida to avoid homes displaying support for President-elect Donald Trump following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Washington claimed the practice was not isolated and had occurred in other states, including the Carolinas and Georgia, due to concerns about 'political hostility' and safety. She compared visiting homes with Trump signs to encountering 'vicious dogs' and alleged that she was being made a scapegoat. Washington discussed these allegations in an interview with Roland Martin. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a lawsuit against FEMA and its officials, including Administrator Deanne Criswell, accusing them of discriminating against Trump supporters and calling for 'swift legal action'. Governor Ron DeSantis supported the legal action, asserting it was unacceptable for the federal government to discriminate based on political affiliation. Fifty-five House Republicans, led by Rep. Vern Buchanan, demanded answers from FEMA, and Criswell is set to testify before Congress. FEMA stated that the employee's actions do not represent the agency's core values and that the employee has been terminated.