The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said it fired three people related to a supervisor's order to skip homes at President Trump's campaign sign while promoting disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Milton after the investigation.
“After the investigation was concluded and all relevant materials reviewed, three additional individuals were fired. This measure was taken because it was not meeting the standards of conduct and it was essential that the entire workforce understands that the incident was condemned and that this type of action would not be tolerated by FEMA.” I wrote it in a letter James Kommer, R-KY., Chairman of the House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Committee;
“OPR” [Office of Professional Responsibility] The investigation found no evidence that this was also a systematic issue or directed by agency or field leadership,” he added.
The agency fired Marni Washington in November 2024, instructing his subordinates to avoid homes with Trump signs. The Special Advisory Office said it was directly violating the Hatch Act regulations regarding elections.
“Political affiliation should not be a factor in distributing taxpayer-funded disaster relief to Americans. I commend FEMA to hold bad actors accountable and steps to ensure this never happens again at the agency,” Comer said. said in a statement on Friday Regarding three additional firings.
“Americans demand accountability from Washington and President Trump, and his administration is offering it.”
Washington claimed he was acting on FEMA's policy instructing employees to avoid homes where hostile encounters were violently denied by former FEMA manager Deanne Criswell.
Chriswell left FEMA in January after facing a pushback to the agency's response to Hurricane Helen and Milton, which devastated communities in the southeast.
“It was an honor to serve @fema Manager for nearly four years. The FEMA family takes great pride in our mission to help people before, during and after disasters,” the previous administrator wrote in a statement. Social Platform X.
“I know this institution will continue to serve the country as we support this peaceful transition of power.”
Hamilton, who was chosen to serve in her absence, said he instructed team members to receive additional training to ensure that FEMA staff provide equitable support regardless of political affiliation.
