House Republicans are demanding an investigation into allegations that FEMA workers deliberately avoided neighborhoods with Trump campaign signs during hurricane relief efforts. Reports suggest homes in Florida and North Carolina were skipped based on political messaging.
Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) and Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) sent a letter to DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, calling for a review. They highlighted claims that FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington instructed teams in Lake Placid, Florida, to ignore homes displaying Trump signs.
Additional allegations describe similar actions in North Carolina, where neighborhoods with “Make America Great Again” signs were reportedly avoided. Teams allegedly bypassed entire areas if three or more such signs were present, leaving residents without notice of aid availability.
FEMA Director Deanne Criswell testified that the Florida case was an isolated incident and assured lawmakers that the agency does not support political discrimination. She confirmed that an investigation into the allegations is underway.
Washington, terminated following the claims, denied being solely responsible. She alleged that similar practices occurred across FEMA teams in both states and argued that she was scapegoated for broader issues.
Republicans are pressing for a transparent inquiry to uncover whether bias influenced FEMA’s disaster response and to ensure relief efforts are handled impartially in the future.
