FEMA has been cleared of wrongdoing after an investigation into allegations of anti-Trump bias in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton and Helene. A court document released on Monday revealed that there was no evidence of systemic bias against Trump-supporting households by FEMA.
Details of the Investigation
According to a Justice Department email, a FEMA investigation found that a Florida-based FEMA employee, Marn’i Washington, was accused of showing bias in the distribution of relief aid. However, the investigation concluded that there was no evidence that this was a widespread issue or that it was directed by FEMA leadership.
This investigation was part of a larger legal case in which Florida sued former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and Washington. The state of Florida and Criswell have now reached a settlement in the case.
Allegations of Bias Against Trump Supporters
Last year, Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), who was the Florida Attorney General at the time, alleged that Criswell and Washington had worked together to deny relief to Trump supporters in Florida. Moody’s complaint suggested that Washington had conspired with senior FEMA officials to violate the civil rights of Florida citizens.
Washington’s Termination and Public Criticism
A few days before the Florida complaint was filed, Criswell confirmed that Washington had been terminated from her position and publicly criticized her actions.
Criswell called Washington’s behavior a violation of FEMA’s core values, emphasizing that FEMA’s mission is to help people regardless of their political affiliation.
“This was reprehensible,” Criswell said in a statement issued in November.
Washington’s Defense
Washington, in a previous interview, defended her actions, explaining that it was common practice to avoid certain streets following what she described as hostile interactions. She claimed that FEMA had blamed her for the actions, but insisted that it was not her personal political beliefs guiding her actions.
“There was what we call a community trend. And unfortunately, it just so happened that the political hostility my team encountered was associated with Trump campaign signage,” Washington said.