A FEMA supervisor has been fired for ordering staff to skip homes supporting Donald Trump during hurricane recovery efforts, prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to investigate the discriminatory actions.
FEMA Official Fired for Discrimination Against Trump Supporters Post-Storm
FEMA Official Fired for Discrimination Against Trump Supporters Post-Storm
Controversy erupts as a FEMA supervisor is dismissed for instructing staff to ignore homes with Trump signs after Hurricane Milton's impact.
In a shocking revelation, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supervisor has been terminated after instructing hurricane recovery staff to disregard properties displaying signs supporting former President Donald Trump. This incident follows the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida and has sparked significant outrage among state officials.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemned the supervisor's actions as "reprehensible," affirming the agency's commitment to serve all citizens in disaster recovery efforts. Although specific details about the incident, including the date and location, remain unclear, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that an investigation by the Division of Emergency Management will be initiated under his directive.
Describing the incident as "targeted discrimination," DeSantis emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all residents, regardless of their political affiliations. The reported incident occurred while FEMA staff were deployed in Lake Placid following Hurricane Milton's landfall, which led to considerable damage and left millions without power.
Internal communications from the agency reportedly instructed staff to avoid homes with pro-Trump yard signs, with one whistleblower stating, “When we got there we were told to discriminate against people." The agency's leadership is facing criticism for enabling such directives, prompting calls for accountability.
Congressman James Comer has requested FEMA Director Criswell to testify before the House Oversight Committee, while Senator Josh Hawley has echoed sentiments urging possible prosecution against those involved.
Both Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida weeks apart, have caused extensive damage and loss of life, with Helene being noted as the deadliest mainland hurricane in the US since Katrina. As recovery efforts continue, this controversy underscores the challenges and expectations of federal agencies during disaster response operations.