A FEMA supervisor has been fired after allegedly instructing disaster relief workers to ignore homes displaying support for President-elect Donald Trump, highlighting a disturbing instance of political bias at a time when American citizens were desperately in need of aid.
Marn’i Washington, a FEMA supervisor in Lake Placid, Florida, reportedly issued orders to federal employees to avoid homes with Trump-supporting yard signs while determining eligibility for disaster assistance. These instructions, which were conveyed both verbally and in writing, blatantly violated FEMA’s core values of impartial service to all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell responded swiftly to the allegations, announcing over the weekend that Washington was fired and the case referred to a special counsel for further investigation. “More than 22,000 FEMA employees every day adhere to FEMA’s core values and are dedicated to helping people before, during, and after disasters,” Criswell stated. “This behavior, however, strayed far from those values, and it is unacceptable.”
The incident, which took place during relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, has stirred outrage among conservative leaders, particularly Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. “It’s sickening to hear that more than half of my constituents were discriminated against because of their political beliefs,” Luna remarked in an interview with *The Daily Wire*. “Big government bureaucrats despise everyday Americans because they are not politically expedient for them.”
Luna, whose district was heavily impacted by the hurricanes, voiced her anger over FEMA’s actions, calling for full accountability from FEMA Administrator Criswell. She emphasized that federal aid, especially in times of crisis, should never be weaponized to further a political agenda. “The opportunity to apply for federal aid through FEMA should never be used to discriminate against an individual,” she said.
In a statement, Criswell reiterated FEMA’s commitment to helping all disaster survivors without bias. “We take our mission to help everyone before, during, and after disasters seriously,” she explained. “This employee has been terminated, and we have referred the matter to the Office of Special Counsel for further review. We will ensure this never happens again.”
The incident underscores a growing concern among conservatives regarding government overreach and political bias in public service. For many Americans, the idea that FEMA relief workers would disregard citizens in need based on their political beliefs is deeply troubling. Rep. Luna’s call for a congressional investigation into the matter reflects the widespread frustration over what many view as an abuse of power by unelected bureaucrats.
In a statement on social media, Luna vowed to continue holding FEMA accountable. “I just took swift action for the American people, and I’m demanding answers from @FEMA_Deanne on why Americans were discriminated against by their government based on who they support in an election,” she wrote on X. “The findings are revolting, and we need accountability. You have until 11/25.”
This troubling incident shines a light on the need for greater oversight of federal agencies, ensuring that political bias does not interfere with their primary mission: serving the American people in times of need. As the investigation unfolds, many are hoping it sends a strong message that public service should remain above politics.
