House committee calls on FEMA for transparency after official tells workers to avoid homes with Trump signs

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is taking action against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after an employee was fired for instructing hurricane relief workers in Florida to avoid homes displaying Trump flags. In a letter addressed to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Committee Chair Sam Graves, R-Mo., demanded answers and accountability for the discriminatory incident that occurred during Hurricane Milton.

The letter, sent on Thursday, expressed concerns about FEMA’s failure to assist all Americans in need, regardless of their political affiliation. The committee raised questions about FEMA’s leadership under Criswell and its commitment to providing aid to everyone affected by natural disasters.

The controversy arose after reports surfaced that an employee had directed relief workers to skip over approximately 20 homes in Lake Placid, Florida, that displayed Trump campaign signs. These residents were denied government assistance following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which hit Florida nearly two weeks prior.

FEMA confirmed the employee’s termination and stated that the matter had been referred to the Office of Special Counsel for further investigation. Criswell emphasized that FEMA’s mission is to help everyone in times of crisis and vowed to prevent such incidents from happening again.

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure criticized FEMA for prioritizing equity over preparedness and readiness, citing the agency’s strategic goals under the Biden Administration. The committee highlighted the importance of FEMA’s core mission and values, emphasizing the need for relief efforts to be free of discrimination.

Marn’i Washington, the fired FEMA worker involved in the incident, revealed that the agency provided guidance to avoid “politically hostile” communities. This revelation raised further concerns about FEMA’s approach to disaster response and its commitment to serving all Americans in need.

In response to the incident, the committee requested documentation from FEMA, including information on when leadership became aware of the discriminatory guidance, efforts to assist affected residents, and actions taken to investigate similar incidents in other communities. The committee also called for copies of guidance documents for field workers responding to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

A hearing is scheduled for November 19, where Criswell is expected to address the committee’s concerns and provide further clarity on the incident. The committee’s efforts to hold FEMA accountable for its actions reflect a commitment to ensuring fair and equitable disaster relief for all Americans.

Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, contributed to this report. For story tips and ideas, contact Sarah at sarah.rumpf@fox.com or on Twitter at @s_rumpfwhitten.