FEMA Fires Official Involved In Text Message Scandal Says Report
The fallout from a FEMA supervisor’s directive to bypass homes displaying support for President-elect Donald Trump has escalated, resulting in her dismissal and calls for thorough investigations at both state and federal levels.
Following a report by The Daily Wire, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell confirmed that Marn’i Washington, the FEMA supervisor responsible, had been fired. Washington reportedly instructed her team to “avoid homes advertising Trump” while providing aid in Lake Placid, Florida—a move that sparked outrage and led to demands for accountability across government ranks.
Criswell condemned Washington’s actions as a betrayal of FEMA’s mission and values, asserting in a statement, “More than 22,000 FEMA employees every day adhere to FEMA’s core values… Recently, one FEMA employee departed from these values… This was reprehensible.” Emphasizing FEMA’s commitment to impartial service, Criswell also announced that the incident had been referred to the Office of Special Counsel for further investigation.
I just took swift action for the American people, and I’m demanding answers from @FEMA_Deanne on why Americans were discriminated against by their government based on who they support in an election. The findings are revolting, and we need accountability.
You have until 11/25. pic.twitter.com/Jz2gQVmhpc
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) November 9, 2024
The guidance, given verbally and through written group messages, led to the omission of at least 20 homes from aid evaluations in late October and early November. Whistleblowers provided The Daily Wire with evidence of the directive, which prompted several lawmakers to demand immediate action.
Representative Anna Paulina Luna, whose district was one of the hardest hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, expressed outrage, saying, “It has been sickening to hear that more than half of my constituents were discriminated against for their political beliefs. Big government bureaucrats despise everyday Americans because they are not politically expedient for them.”
Luna issued a formal letter to Criswell, requesting a detailed report by November 25 on FEMA’s handling of the incident, including actions taken to ensure aid reached the skipped homes.
Luna’s demands included specifics on the protocols governing FEMA supervisors’ instructions to relief teams and actions taken by FEMA upon learning of Washington’s directive. She added, “The opportunity to apply for federal aid through FEMA should never be used to discriminate against an individual.”
The incident has also drawn scrutiny from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who directed his state’s Division of Emergency Management to investigate. Florida’s emergency management head has requested the White House preserve all records related to FEMA’s field operations in Lake Placid, underscoring the gravity of the investigation.