A FEMA supervisor’s alleged directive to skip homes displaying Trump signs during Hurricane Milton relief efforts has ignited widespread outrage and prompted an investigation by federal and state authorities. Reports suggest that Marn’i Washington, a FEMA supervisor working in Lake Placid, Florida, instructed her team to “avoid homes advertising Trump.” The guidance, shared in a group text message, advised relief workers to “implement best practices,” which allegedly included bypassing Trump-supporting households.
The controversy arose after The Daily Wire published internal messages reportedly showing instructions to skip over homes displaying signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump. Volunteers reportedly followed the guidance, skipping over at least 20 homes in Florida’s hurricane-stricken areas. “I thought we could go help and make a difference. When we got there, we were told to discriminate against people,” shared one FEMA worker, who voiced frustration and disbelief.
In response, FEMA quickly removed Washington from her position and issued a statement condemning her alleged actions. A FEMA spokesperson called the incident an “isolated case” and emphasized the agency’s commitment to impartial disaster assistance. “We are horrified that this took place and are doing everything we can to make sure all survivors receive the help they need,” the statement read. “The employee had no authority to issue such guidance, and we’re working to ensure that everyone affected receives the assistance they need.”
The text message also included advice to FEMA workers to drink water and coconut water to replenish electrolytes, according to reports. However, the scandal’s most explosive content has fueled backlash from across the political spectrum and prompted an investigation ordered by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis, a Trump ally and a vocal critic of federal policies he perceives as politically biased, called the incident a prime example of “government weaponization” against citizens. “The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days,” DeSantis stated. He went on to announce that Florida’s Division of Emergency Management would be investigating the alleged discrimination and promised to address any needs of overlooked residents.
The storm’s devastation left tens of thousands of Florida residents without power or shelter, adding urgency to the ongoing debate over equitable disaster response. Hurricane Milton, which struck just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, claimed over 30 lives and inflicted widespread destruction across Florida. For those in hardest-hit communities, the thought that any household might be overlooked based on political preferences has struck a nerve, underscoring concerns about fair access to federal assistance during natural disasters.
Adding fuel to the fire, the scandal also revived past criticism of FEMA’s priorities, including recent comments by FEMA officials who argued that certain communities should receive additional support because of their “pre-existing vulnerabilities.” Critics have pointed to such statements as evidence of potential bias within FEMA’s ranks, particularly in light of recent policies that they claim prioritize certain demographics over others.
As Florida continues to recover, FEMA is working to assure affected residents that all households, regardless of political affiliation, will receive the aid they need. For many residents, this promise is vital to rebuilding trust in federal disaster relief efforts in the wake of the recent controversy.
Sources for this article include: The Daily Wire, statements from FEMA, and official comments from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
