Politicized disaster relief prompted an investigation as officials discovered the latest example of “weaponization of government” allegedly left one particular kind of voter neglected.
Arguably a pivotal event in impacting the determination of voters to see the return of the GOP to the White House, the response from the Biden-Harris administration to back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton had left much to be desired.
Now, according to a report from the Daily Wire, messages from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supervisor Marni Washington revealed a directive to “avoid homes advertising Trump” as part of their “best practices.”
Reacting to the concerning details, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) shared the message on X with the statement, “The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days.”
“At my direction, the Division of Emergency Management is launching an investigation into the federal government’s targeted discrimination of Floridians who support Donald Trump,” added the statesman. “New leadership is on the way in DC, and I’m optimistic that these partisan bureaucrats will be fired.”
The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days.
At my direction, the Division of Emergency Management is launching an investigation into the federal… https://t.co/3uFpE62vxb
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) November 8, 2024
Responding to the outrage, a FEMA spokesperson conveyed how they were “deeply disturbed” by the “isolated incident” and expressed, “We are horrified that this took place and therefore have taken extreme actions to correct this situation and have ensured that the matter was addressed at all levels.”
“Helping people is what we do best, and our workforce across the agency will continue to serve survivors for as long as it takes,” contended the agency boasting of over $898 million in assistance to survivors across more than 365,000 households.
“While we believe this is an isolated incident, we have taken measures to remove the employee from their role and are investigating the matter to prevent this from happening ever again,” stated FEMA. “The employee who issued this guidance had no authority and was given no direction to tell teams to avoid these homes, and we are reaching out to the people who may have not been reached as a result of this incident.”
FULL STATEMENT: “FEMA helps all survivors regardless of their political preference or affiliation and we are deeply disturbed by this employee’s actions. While we believe this is an isolated incident, we have taken measures to remove the employee from their role and are…
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) November 8, 2024
While FEMA asserted the supervisor directing employees in Lake Placid, Florida had been removed “from their role,” House Oversight Committee chair Kentucky Rep. James Comer (R) had reacted on X, “FEMA hasn’t fired this person…But the IRS has been trying to force IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley out for blowing the whistle! We must hold these unelected bureaucrats accountable.”
Similar outrage across the GOP, with many calling for firings, included a letter from Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R) who sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell demanding answers by Nov. 25, 2024, on when the agency became aware of the directed guidance, what measures have been taken to ensure supporters of President-elect Donald Trump had received aid as well as what steps had been “taken to ensure that this official does not behave in a similar manner in the future.”
I just took swift action for the American people, and I’m demanding answers from @FEMA_Deanne on why Americans were discriminated against by their government based on who they support in an election. The findings are revolting, and we need accountability.
You have until 11/25. pic.twitter.com/Jz2gQVmhpc
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) November 9, 2024
Not only fired, but charged with civil rights violation. We must have accountability!
— Accountability Matters (@geosciteacher17) November 8, 2024
Fired and prosecuted.
— Senator Babet (@senatorbabet) November 8, 2024
They all need to be fired. Down to the first line supervisors.
— InstructorJohn (O-Ga) (@jej117) November 9, 2024
The employee involved must face consequences. Then FEMA needs outside assistance to root out this kind of bias against half the country.
— J Kinsel (@JKins52) November 9, 2024
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