FEMA investigating stunning report that hurricane relief workers were ordered to skip houses with pro-Trump signs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it is looking into a shocking report that one of its officials had ordered relief workers to skip homes that were displaying pro-Trump signs.
The Daily Wire first documented the accusations based on multiple workers who said that supervisor Marn’i Washington gave a verbal order to avoid Trump homes. It also obtained documents that corroborated the claims.
'It’s almost unbelievable to think that somebody in the federal government would think that’s okay.'
“Trump sign no entry per leadership," read one entry in the government system reviewed by the Wire.
Washington reportedly made the order as workers were canvassing neighborhoods in Lake Placid, Florida, to sign up residents for federal aid over damage from Hurricane Milton in October and November.
“I know they’re short-staffed, I thought we could go help and make a difference,” said one of the employees quoted in the Wire report. “When we got there we were told to discriminate against people. It’s almost unbelievable to think that somebody in the federal government would think that’s okay.”
The report said the district affected by Washington's order voted by 70% to back President-elect Donald Trump in the election.
“I volunteered to help disaster victims, not discriminate against them,” the employee continued. “It didn’t matter if people were black, white, Hispanic, for Trump, for Harris. Everyone deserves the same amount of help.”
Other messages in the government system read, “Per leadership no stop Trump flag,” “Trump sign,” and “Trump sign, no contact per leadership.”
FEMA told the Wire that it was investigating the claims.
“We are aware of it and we are taking action at this moment regarding the situation that you’re talking about," said Washington’s FEMA supervisor, Chad Hershey.
The Wire also obtained a complaint made to FEMA about the alleged incident.
“This behavior raises significant concerns of discrimination against United States citizens because of their political views,” the complaint read. “These actions not only undermine the integrity of our agency and create a hostile work environment for those who may hold differing political beliefs but they also threaten the very democracy of our country.”
FEMA had been previously criticized for what many said was a slow and incompetent response to a major natural disaster that struck mainly Republican-majority states and counties.
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Elon Musk accuses FEMA of blocking and confiscating Starlink shipments to hurricane relief; FEMA issues official denial
The Federal Emergency Management Agency responded to claims made by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk about alleged confiscation of the Starlink internet system.
'It’s very real and scary how much they have taken control to stop people helping.'
Musk made the claims on X, the social media platform he owns, about the alleged actions from FEMA against Starlink, which he also owns.
"Just received this note from a SpaceX engineer helping on the ground in North Carolina," wrote Musk.
"@FEMA is not merely failing to adequately help people in trouble, but is actively blocking citizens who try to help!" he added.
Musk followed up with more accusations later on Friday.
"SpaceX engineers are trying to deliver Starlink terminals & supplies to devastated areas in North Carolina right now and @FEMA is both failing to help AND won’t let others help. This is unconscionable!!" he wrote.
The tweet included a video of the devastation in North Carolina.
"@FEMA wouldn’t let them land to deliver critical supplies ... my blood is boiling," he added.
FEMA responds
FEMA’s Director of Public Affairs Jaclyn Rothenberg responded to the accusations with a pointed denial in an email to Blaze News.
“The claims about FEMA confiscating or taking commodities, supplies or resources in North Carolina, Tennessee, or any state impacted by Helene are false. FEMA is continuing to work with our federal family and state and local partners in the impacted areas to effectively bring in life-saving resources to the people and communities who need it most. As of Oct. 3. FEMA has deployed more than 11.5 million Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), over 12.6 million liters of water, more than 400,000 tarps and 150 generators to areas impacted by Helene," read the statement.
“Connectivity is crucial to disaster response. FEMA has successfully deployed Starlink in multiple disasters to support disaster operations including disasters in Guam, Hawaii and Alaska," she added. "FEMA has helped provide Starlink terminals to the state of North Carolina, including to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation and critical lifeline locations as determined by the state. These units are supporting state and local municipalities, Urban Search and Rescue and disaster coordination. Starlink units have been sent to multiple states in support of Hurricane Helene response efforts.”
FEMA also directed Blaze News to its rumor page, specifically where it addresses accusations that the agency was confiscating goods meant for private hurricane relief.
Officials say there have been 220 confirmed deaths from the hurricane, but many more are expected as relief efforts continue.
Here's more about the disaster-relief efforts:
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