House Republicans are urging a formal investigation into claims that FEMA workers avoided neighborhoods displaying pro-Trump signs during hurricane recovery efforts. Allegations focus on incidents in Florida and North Carolina where aid was reportedly withheld from Trump-supporting areas.
Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) and Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) addressed the matter in a letter to DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari. They referenced accusations that former FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington instructed relief workers in Florida to bypass homes with Trump-related signs.
Similar claims emerged from North Carolina, where reports allege FEMA teams ignored neighborhoods with signs such as “Make America Great Again.” Entire areas were reportedly skipped if multiple pro-Trump signs were present, leaving residents unaware of available assistance.
FEMA Director Deanne Criswell told Congress last month that the Florida incident was isolated and does not reflect agency policy. She pledged to investigate the allegations and later confirmed that the Inspector General’s office is reviewing the matter.
Washington, fired after the accusations, denied wrongdoing and claimed other FEMA teams engaged in similar practices. She argued that these actions were not isolated but indicative of broader agency patterns.
Republicans say these allegations undermine public trust in FEMA. They insist on a full investigation to determine whether political bias influenced the agency’s disaster response practices.
