Marni Washington, a former supervisor with FEMA, is speaking out after being fired for instructing her team to avoid homes displaying Trump signs while conducting hurricane relief in Florida.
As reported by The Daily Mail [1], Washington claims that this directive wasn’t an isolated incident, stating that similar practices also took place in North Carolina, and she believes FEMA is unfairly scapegoating her.
Washington, now considering legal action, insists she possesses evidence that FEMA is concealing the full story. She shared on a recent podcast that her former colleagues engaged in similar actions but haven’t faced any consequences.
“FEMA preaches avoidance first and de-escalation. This wasn’t just Florida—this was happening in the Carolinas too,” she asserted.
The controversy began when leaked messages revealed Washington’s instructions to sidestep homes with Trump signs in Lake Placid, Florida, following Hurricane Milton.
Fema text message to workers. Fired is not enough! pic.twitter.com/GWH00aOO31 [3]
— Kimmidi (@KimmidiFarms) November 12, 2024 [4]
FEMA promptly distanced itself from Washington after the public backlash, firing her and referring her case to the Office of Special Counsel. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemned the behavior, labeling it a “violation of FEMA’s core values.”
However, Washington maintains that her directive was about safety, not politics.
“If you look at the record there is what you call a community trend… the political hostility that was encountered by my team, they just so happened to have the Trump campaign signage. If we are noticing on, for example, Mary Street, and we’re greeted with unwelcomed arms or people are coming out with guns blazing screaming at us, then that’s a street we need to avoid altogether.”
Was there not even ONE @fema [5] employee with the courage to stand again this? Not even ONE?
It’s unimaginable that any American could treat their fellow citizens like this and be able to live with themselves. https://t.co/WIpKHXzu5B [6]— Neva Ayer (@NevaAyer) November 12, 2024 [7]
Washington believes the team’s avoidance was simply a protocol to keep workers safe amidst tensions.
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has since announced a state investigation into FEMA’s handling of the situation. He criticized the “partisan activism” displayed by federal workers, vowing that the “weaponization of government” will end with the current administration.
DeSantis also directed Florida’s Division of Emergency Management to probe further into FEMA’s alleged bias.
