FEMA Supervisor Fired for Allegedly Instructing Workers to Bypass Trump-Supporting Homes in Florida

In a recent controversy involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a supervisor named Marn’i Washington has been terminated following allegations that she directed disaster relief workers to avoid homes displaying support for Donald Trump.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the decision, emphasizing that Washington’s actions were inconsistent with FEMA’s values of impartiality and service to all Americans in times of crisis.

FEMA Denounces Alleged Partisan Bias

“This is a clear violation of FEMA’s core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation,” Criswell said.

“This employee has been terminated, and we have referred the matter to the Office of Special Counsel. I will continue to do everything I can to make sure this never happens again.”

The alleged instructions reportedly came from Washington in late October, as she led a FEMA team in Lake Placid, Florida, to assist in the recovery efforts after Hurricane Milton struck the region.

According to a memo obtained by The Daily Wire, Washington instructed her team to “avoid homes advertising Trump” as part of her “best practices” guidance.

The memo also included general reminders for staff, such as staying hydrated and following operational protocols.

Washington, 39, reportedly communicated these instructions both in writing and verbally to her team, with several workers ultimately choosing to skip about 20 homes displaying Trump signs between October and early November.

This directive has sparked significant backlash among local leaders and Florida residents.

Community and Family Responses

The revelation of Washington’s alleged directive drew sharp criticism from Lake Placid residents.

Local Planning Agency board member Dustin Woods expressed his disapproval, stating, “In times of need, we’re all Americans. There are no parties when we are recovering.”

Lake Placid Mayor John Holbrook also condemned the incident, remarking, “When it comes to politics and religion, everybody should just keep that separate from their jobs.”

Washington’s sister, April Brown, reacted with disbelief. “I’m completely shocked,” Brown told reporters.

“I can tell you that she set out to help and serve all people. With her being in that position with FEMA, I can’t see her doing anything like that.”

Political Fallout and Further Investigation

The controversy has taken on political dimensions, with Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticizing the incident as an example of alleged “weaponization” of federal agencies.

“At my direction, the Division of Emergency Management is launching an investigation into the federal government’s targeted discrimination of Floridians who support Donald Trump,” DeSantis stated.

Washington, who had worked with FEMA since 2019, also holds roles as a regional manager for Avanath Capital Management and as the owner of logistics company Olam Industries LLC.

Her social media presence, which includes posts about American slavery history and personal reflections, has fueled additional scrutiny.

Local FEMA workers who encountered her directive noted that, though Lake Placid’s hurricane damage was less severe than other parts of the state, residents had taken initiative in clean-up efforts with limited federal assistance. “We’re picking up most of the debris ourselves,” Mayor Holbrook said, highlighting a perceived lack of FEMA activity in the area.

FEMA’s Commitment to Unbiased Relief Efforts

FEMA maintains that it provides disaster relief assistance impartially, without regard to political affiliation or personal beliefs.

As the agency continues to address this incident, FEMA has reaffirmed its commitment to serving all Americans equitably in times of disaster.

Washington has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the incident, and FEMA’s Office of Special Counsel is expected to follow up on the matter with a formal investigation.

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