The Department of Homeland Security has let go of three additional FEMA employees after a recent inspector general report revealed that the agency’s teams bypassed homes displaying pro-Trump signs in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
These firings add to the others that were enacted following last week’s IG report. An investigation from FEMA’s Office of Professional Responsibility determined that the three dismissed employees did not adhere to FEMA’s conduct standards.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized, “Our job is to protect the American people, regardless of their political beliefs. This is particularly vital during disaster relief efforts, where each moment can make a difference.” He noted that those responsible for the incident have faced consequences, and measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence.
FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton remarked that, due to President Trump’s influence, FEMA has been empowered to ensure accountability and improve the way it conducts outreach to disaster survivors, promoting fairness in the assistance process.
Hamilton stressed that all parties involved in this situation have been held accountable, asserting that political bias should not have a place in public service.
These dismissals follow the termination of FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington, who had instructed her team to steer clear of homes adorned with Trump signage in Lake Placid, Florida, during 2024.
Washington maintains her innocence, stating that her actions were intended to safeguard her team in what she described as a highly charged political atmosphere. In an interview, she expressed, “I had never seen people so passionate during that political season… People were physically approaching us aggressively, making accusations.” She recalled instances where residents declared, “You representatives of Biden are taking our money and giving it to immigrants.”
Washington clarified that her team only shunned homes displaying both a Trump sign and other signs perceived as hostile, like references to firearms.
