U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has called for an investigation into reports that a Biden Administration supervisor instructed FEMA workers to withhold federal disaster aid from Floridians who displayed support for President-elect Donald Trump.
Marn’i D Washington has been removed from her position with FEMA following the allegations that she instructed disaster relief teams to bypass homes with pro-Trump signs.
In a letter addressed to Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, who oversees oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, Hawley urged a thorough review of the allegations.
READ: Congress, Florida Launch Probes Into FEMA Bias Against Trump Supporters In Hurricane Relief Efforts
“I urge you to launch a comprehensive investigation into this incident to ensure that no American is denied disaster relief due to their political beliefs,” Senator Hawley demanded.
Hawley also pointed to screenshots from FEMA’s aid logs that reportedly show field workers bypassing an estimated 20 homes, citing the directive as the reason for exclusion: “Trump sign no entry per leadership.”
“[S]creenshots of FEMA’s aid logs show that workers did in fact skip an estimated 20 homes in their canvassing routes, explicitly stating the only reason as ‘Trump sign no entry per leadership.’ This is wholly unacceptable and egregious behavior that has no place in our nation’s disaster relief programs,” said Hawley.
Hawley is demanding:
1. Any information relating to Marn’i Washington’s employment status at FEMA. Has she been fired from the agency, or just reassigned?
2. Any and all information relating to internal formal complaints made against Marn’i Washington for discrimination or misuse of government resources.
3. Any other directives or guidance issued by FEMA officials that direct workers or volunteers not to assist individuals with federal assistance outside the bounds of the law.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.