Florida Sues FEMA Over Alleged Discrimination Against Trump Supporters in Hurricane Relief

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Tallahassee, FL – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a federal lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its administrator, Deanne Criswell, accusing the agency of engaging in political discrimination during hurricane relief efforts. The lawsuit specifically targets a former FEMA supervisor, Marn’i Washington, who was fired after reports surfaced that she instructed relief workers to bypass homes with Trump campaign signs in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

The controversy began when internal communications revealed that Washington, during her tenure as a FEMA supervisor in Lake Placid, Florida, had directed her team to “avoid homes advertising Trump” while assessing damage and distributing aid. This directive was part of a broader list of “best practices,” which also included advice on hydration and safety protocols for workers.

Governor Ron DeSantis, who has been vocal about the incident, labeled Washington’s actions as “targeted discrimination” against Florida residents who supported President-elect Donald Trump. “The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days,” DeSantis stated on social media, announcing an investigation by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

The lawsuit claims that such directives from FEMA officials not only contravene the agency’s core values of providing aid irrespective of political affiliation but also potentially violate the civil rights of Florida residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Attorney General Moody emphasized, “Hurricane season is not over, and the federal agency in charge of emergency response is embroiled in scandal – caught withholding aid from storm victims in Florida who support President Trump.”

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell responded to the allegations by confirming that the employee, Washington, had been terminated for her actions, which she described as “reprehensible.” Criswell reiterated FEMA’s commitment to non-partisan disaster response, stating, “This is a clear violation of FEMA’s core values & principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation.”