A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official was removed from their position after instructing disaster relief teams to bypass homes displaying support for President-elect Donald Trump in Florida following recent hurricanes.

Image Credit: © GREG LOVETT/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on October 29, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida.

FEMA confirmed the action in a statement to Fox News, stating it was “deeply disturbed” by the incident and was investigating to ensure such actions are not repeated.

“This guidance was unauthorized, and the employee had no authority to direct teams to avoid any homes based on political signs,” a FEMA spokesperson said. “We believe this is an isolated incident, and we have taken steps to remove the employee from their role. We are also reaching out to those who may have been impacted to ensure they receive the assistance they need.”

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The incident first came to light through internal communications obtained by The Daily Wire, showing a message instructing FEMA workers to avoid “homes advertising Trump.”

The messages revealed that some aid workers marked affected properties as “no contact per leadership” in their tracking system, which would leave residents without crucial relief contact.

FEMA has responded by reassuring the public that it is handling the situation with urgency. “We are horrified that this took place and have taken extreme measures to address the situation. Helping people is what we do best, and our workforce will continue to serve survivors as long as needed,” the agency added.

As the incident has unfolded, scrutiny from lawmakers has intensified. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) criticized FEMA’s handling, noting that the responsible employee has not been terminated. “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,” Comer posted on X.

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The House Oversight Committee echoed Comer’s concerns, stating on X, “FEMA admits this happened but doesn’t say if the bureaucrat responsible has been fired. Democrats’ policies make it difficult to hold unelected bureaucrats accountable. This is why we need reforms to ensure they are.”

In addition, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a state-led investigation into FEMA’s actions, calling the incident a clear example of “weaponization of government by partisan activists.”

He stated, “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. New leadership is on the way to D.C., and I’m optimistic these partisan bureaucrats will be fired.”

The FEMA controversy follows a broader debate on government accountability in disaster response. President Biden recently criticized what he described as “reckless, irresponsible and relentless disinformation” about FEMA’s response efforts.

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During an October address, Biden referenced misinformation circulating about relief amounts, saying, “They know it’s a lie to suggest that’s all they’re going to get. They need to stop this.”

FEMA reported that it has provided over $898 million in aid to more than 365,000 households affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene.

The agency has stated that it is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability as it serves hurricane-impacted communities, and the investigation remains ongoing.

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