Top Republican leaders on the House Committee on Homeland Security have intensified their investigation into allegations that FEMA workers withheld disaster relief from homes displaying support for President-elect Donald Trump.
Last week, Committee Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN), Subcommittee on Oversight Chairman Dan Bishop (R-NC), and Emergency Management Chairman Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) sent a letter to Chad Hershey, Disaster Survival Assistance Task Force Lead, requesting a transcribed interview.
Hershey served as the supervisor for former FEMA employee Marn’i Washington, who was terminated for instructing relief workers to avoid homes advertising Trump support during disaster relief efforts in Florida after Hurricane Milton.
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In a statement, the committee chairmen emphasized the importance of Hershey’s testimony to uncover the full scope of potential political bias in FEMA’s disaster response.
Washington, in a recent interview, claimed that her actions were in line with FEMA’s internal guidance and that Hershey had directed her to avoid homes supporting Trump due to “community trends of political hostility.” This account has drawn significant scrutiny, prompting the Committee to request further clarification from Hershey.
Committee staff conducted a transcribed interview with Washington earlier this week, which highlighted inconsistencies in FEMA’s handling of disaster relief and reinforced the need for Hershey’s testimony.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell previously released a statement on November 9, 2024, confirming Washington’s actions and stating they were inconsistent with FEMA’s core values. Hershey had also addressed the media on November 8, stating that immediate action was being taken regarding the situation.
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The Committee’s letter to Hershey notes, “The Committee seeks to uncover the complete nature and extent of FEMA’s misconduct in withholding federal assistance from Americans based on political affiliation. Your observations and experience as Ms. Washington’s Task Force Lead for the Disaster Survival Assistance Task Force are vital to the Committee’s investigation.”
The investigation was sparked by reports alleging FEMA workers were directed to avoid providing disaster relief to homes with Trump-related signs or items. The Committee previously sent letters to Washington and Administrator Criswell demanding transcribed interviews to shed light on these allegations.
This inquiry aims to determine whether FEMA’s practices violated federal disaster relief guidelines and whether political bias influenced relief efforts, potentially impacting thousands of Americans in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
The investigation continues as lawmakers seek answers to ensure fairness and transparency in disaster response operations.
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