FEMA Accused of Bias Against Trump Supporters After Hurricane Milton
Following Hurricane Milton, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) faced serious allegations from the Biden administration, claiming that homes displaying campaign signs supporting President Trump were being overlooked for aid.
A whistleblower report from late 2024 indicated that FEMA workers received instructions to withhold assistance from properties where Trump signs were visible. This led to the dismissal of multiple FEMA personnel.
According to the whistleblower, “They intentionally avoided homes that expressed support for President Trump and the Second Amendment, illegally collected and stored information about survivors’ political beliefs, and failed to report malicious acts.” In response, then-FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told Congress that the issue was an isolated incident, attributing blame to one dismissed employee.
However, a recent report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contradicts that claim, revealing that the problematic practices were widespread and systematic, occurring during several disasters since Hurricane Ida in 2021.
The investigation also suggested that FEMA workers may have violated the Privacy Act of 1974 by documenting the political affiliations of disaster victims.
Specific instances mentioned in the report highlighted FEMA officials noting numerous pro-Trump signs and flags. For instance, a FEMA worker commented in 2024 about a Florida home saying, “Sign from President Trump, no communication from leadership.” Another noted a Pennsylvania property in 2021 that displayed several explicit political flags, advising against visiting due to the rhetoric present.
One FEMA staff member in Louisiana noted a homeowners’ sign that read, “this is Trump country.” This paints a rather troubling picture of the agency’s operations following such disasters.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated, “The federal government was withholding aid to Americans in crisis based on political beliefs. This should frighten all Americans, regardless of their political persuasion.” She further accused the Biden administration of intentionally delaying crucial assistance for political gain and referred the matter to the Department of Justice for potential legal action.
