DHS Reviews FEMA Political Data Collection on Disaster Victims in Florida

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton and other disasters, it has been revealed that FEMA officials instructed workers to avoid providing aid to homes displaying Trump campaign signs, leading to accusations of politically motivated discrimination in disaster relief efforts. A fired FEMA official, Marn'i Washington, claimed her orders came from higher-ups, and multiple sources confirmed entries like "Trump sign, no contact per leadership." Despite initial denials and claims that the incidents were isolated, a Department of Homeland Security Privacy Office review found widespread violations of the Privacy Act of 1974, noting that FEMA improperly collected political information on disaster victims dating back to at least Hurricane Ida in 2021. The review criticized FEMA's Disaster Survivor Assistance Field Operations Guide for vague language allowing workers to skip aid based on feelings of hostility, effectively permitting discrimination against certain political views. Legal and political leaders have condemned these actions, with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody pursuing legal action to ensure aid distribution regardless of political affiliation. The controversy highlights concerns about politicization of federal disaster response and the improper collection of sensitive political data from American citizens.