House Oversight calls on FEMA director to testify after official tells workers to avoid homes with Trump signs

The House of Representatives Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after an employee was terminated for instructing hurricane relief workers in Florida to avoid homes with Trump flags. Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairperson of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, announced Saturday he sent FEMA Director Deanne Criswell a letter requesting she testify at a hearing to answer questions about the agency’s response to hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In the letter, Comer said the hearing would “permit members to investigate recent reports that a FEMA official instructed relief workers to bypass hurricane-impacted homes displaying campaign signs for President Trump.” He emphasized the importance of FEMA adhering to its disaster relief mission in the wake of major disasters affecting Americans of all political persuasions.

The Oversight Committee’s investigation was prompted by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ announcement that he was launching an investigation into the agency. DeSantis criticized the “blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy” and expressed optimism that “partisan bureaucrats” would be fired with new leadership in Washington, D.C.

The investigations were initiated after FEMA confirmed that an employee had directed aid workers to deny relief to residents with Trump campaign signs at their homes. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated that the employee had been terminated and the matter referred to the Office of Special Counsel, ensuring that such actions would not occur again.

A FEMA spokesperson reiterated the agency’s commitment to helping all disaster survivors regardless of political affiliation and described the employee’s actions as an isolated incident. The agency has assisted over 365,000 households affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida, providing nearly $900 million in direct assistance to survivors.

The FEMA spokesperson expressed horror at the incident and assured that corrective actions had been taken at all levels to address the situation. Fox News Digital reached out to FEMA for further comment on the matter.

In conclusion, the investigation into FEMA’s handling of hurricane relief efforts in Florida, particularly regarding the treatment of residents with Trump campaign signs, underscores the importance of non-partisan disaster response. The House Oversight Committee’s inquiry aims to ensure accountability and transparency in FEMA’s operations during times of crisis.