House Republicans to Question FEMA Administrator Amid Allegations of Political Bias
House Republicans are preparing to question FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell next week, following claims of political bias in the agency’s response to the hurricanes that struck Florida in late September and early October. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) confirmed the hearing on her X account, stating that Criswell will be held accountable for what Republicans view as a politically biased response, particularly toward Trump supporters in the state.
This move comes after Florida’s attorney general, Ashley Moody, filed a lawsuit against FEMA, accusing the agency of violating the civil rights of state residents by discriminating against Republican hurricane victims.
The lawsuit also names FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington, who was fired after reports surfaced that she instructed workers in Lake Placid to skip homes displaying Trump campaign signs.
Moody expressed concern that political affiliation was influencing the distribution of aid, emphasizing that “all Americans who fall victim to devastating storms should be served, regardless of their political affiliation.”
In response to the allegations, Criswell condemned Washington’s actions, calling it a violation of FEMA’s core values, which are to assist individuals without regard to their political beliefs. FEMA has since deployed a new disaster relief team to reach out to any families who may not have received aid previously, and efforts are being made to address the agency’s reported shortage of resources.
Washington, who defended her actions in a recent appearance on Roland Martin’s YouTube podcast, claimed that the directive was intended as a safety measure.
She explained that her team had encountered hostile situations in areas with Trump campaign signs, prompting them to avoid certain streets to protect FEMA workers.
Washington stressed that her actions were part of a protocol developed from past experiences of political hostility, aimed at ensuring the safety of emergency response teams.
As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, FEMA faces heightened scrutiny over its disaster response practices, with many questioning whether political considerations have played a role in the distribution of aid to storm victims.