FEMA Faces Backlash Over Alleged Bias in Disaster Aid

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell testified that an internal investigation found no evidence of directives from senior officials instructing hurricane relief workers to avoid homes of Trump supporters, following backlash over a supervisor's order to do so. The supervisor, Marn’i Washington, was fired for her actions, which she claims reflect a broader, longstanding policy at FEMA to avoid politically hostile homes, particularly those supportive of Trump. Congressman James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, indicated that the incident may be part of a wider pattern of discrimination against conservatives within FEMA, urging further inquiry into the agency's practices. Several anonymous current and former FEMA employees have corroborated Washington's claims, suggesting that such avoidance has been common in various disaster zones, including the Carolinas. Critics argue that this approach stems from the agency's perceived ineptitude and failure to provide timely assistance during crises.