FEMA has taken action against a supervisor accused of directing workers to skip homes displaying Trump signs in Highlands County, Florida. The allegations, revealed by whistleblowers, have raised questions about fairness in federal disaster relief efforts.
Marn’i Washington, the supervisor in question, reportedly issued the instructions verbally and through group chats used by relief workers. Messages reviewed by The Daily Wire show that skipped addresses were recorded in FEMA’s system with notes referencing the directive.
To those lamenting the hatred from the right. To those fearing fascism, where government agencies treat certain citizens like, dare I say it, garbage. 👇🏻@DanaKennedyLive
— Christine Flowers (@flowerlady61) November 9, 2024
Highlands County, a heavily Republican area, suffered widespread damage from Hurricane Milton, including flooding and tornadoes. Workers expressed frustration, with one saying, “I volunteered to help disaster victims, not discriminate against them.”
FEMA confirmed Washington has been removed from her position pending an investigation. A spokesperson called the actions “horrifying” and emphasized FEMA’s commitment to assisting all disaster survivors impartially.
Imagine what they’ve done that doesn’t make the news…https://t.co/oLccJPQ0kH pic.twitter.com/AXIyJa1VQc
— 𝕛𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟_𝕠𝕟_𝕩 (@jason_on_x) November 10, 2024
The incident has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, who have demanded accountability and transparency. Whistleblowers argue that the directive undermines FEMA’s mission and erodes trust in the agency.
Fired: The FEMA supervisor, accused of ordering her subordinates to bypass homes with Trump campaign signs in Florida, has been fired! Marn’i Washington was sacked for telling disaster relief workers knocking on doors in Lake Placid, Fl, to “avoid homes advertising Trump!” pic.twitter.com/YNqtz2nifK
— John Cremeans USA (@JohnCremeansUSA) November 9, 2024
The FEMA story needs to be investigated. FEMA was skipping homes in Highlands County, Florida simply because they had Trump flags in their front lawn. The person who gave the order was Marn’i Washington. After the news hit, she changed her name on LinkedIn to Mariana Gatlinburg. pic.twitter.com/27LJrAXYXX
— David Karim (@davidkarim) November 9, 2024
Despite the controversy, FEMA reported helping over 365,000 households in Florida and distributing nearly $900 million in disaster assistance to those impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
