U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) wrote a letter to Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, who oversees investigations into the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies, calling on him to review complaints of a Biden Administration supervisor who directed her team to avoid providing federal assistance to Floridians who displayed support for President-elect Donald Trump.
Senator Hawley’s letter comes after new reporting revealed—and FEMA subsequently confirmed—a top-down order by officials within the agency to discriminate against Trump supporters whose homes were recently ravaged by Hurricane Milton.
“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.
He continued, adding, “[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.”
Read the full letter here or below.
November 9, 2024
The Hon. Joseph V. Cuffari
Inspector General
Department of Homeland Security
245 Murray Lane, SW
Washington, D.C. 20528-03035
Dear Inspector General Cuffari:
On November 8, 2024, reports revealed disturbing evidence that a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official ordered her workers to avoid assisting Trump supporters during the Hurricane Milton cleanup efforts in Florida. Following the publication of these reports, FEMA has confirmed the story’s accuracy. 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.
According to reports, FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington instructed her workers to “avoid homes advertising Trump” when identifying residents eligible for federal aid.Text messages from Washington describe this protocol in a list of “best practices”—alongside instructions to stay hydrated, bring a towel, and “follow the rules.” Additionally, screenshots 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.
Relief workers have rightly accused this FEMA supervisor of discrimination. One worker said Washington’s orders prevented her from informing residents of qualified assistance and that it felt wrong to ignore homes on the basis of political affiliation. This led some workers to file formal complaints with the Department of Homeland Security, which reportedly resulted in Washington being removed from her current role.2
As Inspector General, you are charged with investigating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement at the Department of Homeland Security, which includes FEMA.As a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, I urge you to fully investigate this matter to ensure these complaints are taken seriously so that no American is denied federal assistance based on their political beliefs. In your investigation, please specifically provide:
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.
Sincerely,
Josh Hawley
United States Senator