Oversight Committee to Question FEMA Chief on Orders to Skip Trump-Supporting Homes

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability is set to investigate FEMA after whistleblowers revealed that a federal supervisor instructed relief workers to skip homes displaying support for Donald Trump. Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has called on FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to testify before Congress on November 19, demanding answers about the shocking directive reportedly given to FEMA employees assisting in hurricane relief efforts.

The controversy erupted after The Daily Wire reported that FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington had instructed her team to “avoid homes advertising Trump” in Lake Placid, Florida. At least 20 homes were allegedly bypassed due to this directive, which was reportedly issued verbally and through a team group chat. Washington has since been fired, and the incident has been referred to the Office of Special Counsel for further investigation.

Key Points in the FEMA Oversight Hearing:

• Focus on Political Bias: Chairman Comer made clear in his letter to Criswell that this hearing aims to ensure FEMA maintains impartiality when responding to natural disasters, providing relief to all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. “It is critical that FEMA adheres to its disaster relief mission,” Comer stated, especially in the wake of recent storms, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

• Accountability and Core Values: Administrator Criswell acknowledged the incident, condemning the supervisor’s actions as a “clear violation” of FEMA’s values. “More than 22,000 FEMA employees…are dedicated to helping people before, during, and after disasters,” Criswell emphasized, adding that the agency takes its mission “seriously” and promising that actions would be taken to prevent future incidents.

• Escalating Lawmaker Scrutiny: Lawmakers including Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) have announced inquiries, calling for accountability in what they describe as blatant political bias. They argue that FEMA’s mandate to provide disaster relief should be free from discrimination and demand reassurances that federal resources are distributed equitably to all Americans in need.

The hearing, now just days away, is expected to press Criswell on FEMA’s disaster response policies, as well as the agency’s internal oversight to prevent politically motivated actions. The whistleblower accounts have fueled concern that disaster relief efforts could be weaponized, damaging public trust in federal agencies.

This developing story raises questions about political impartiality within FEMA and reinforces the importance of a fair, accountable federal response during disasters. With lawmakers on both sides pushing for transparency, the outcome of this investigation could lead to reforms to safeguard FEMA’s mission against future incidents of political bias.

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