'Trump sign, no entry': Outrage as FEMA officer tells hurricane relief team to skip homes with MAGA signs

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is facing backlash after it was revealed that a supervisor instructed disaster relief workers in Florida to avoid homes displaying signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump.

The directive, issued by FEMA supervisor Marn'i Washington, was confirmed by the agency on Friday, November 8. 

FEMA workers bypassed homes with Donald Trump signs in hurricane-affected Florida

Marn'i Washington's order delivered both verbally and via a Microsoft Teams chat, told workers to "avoid homes advertising Trump" while canvassing neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Milton in Lake Placid, Florida, in late October and early November, according to the New York Post.

The directive was reportedly part of a broader list of guidelines for FEMA workers in the aftermath of the Category 3 hurricane.

FEMA employees who followed the instructions left messages in their tracking system stating, "Trump sign no entry per leadership," marking homes they passed over.

At least 20 houses displaying Trump flags or signs were bypassed, meaning the residents did not have the opportunity to sign up for federal disaster relief assistance.

FEMA condemns unauthorized directive to bypass Trump-supporting homes

FEMA has since confirmed the incident, expressing deep concern about the actions of the employee. A spokesperson for the agency stated, "FEMA helps all survivors regardless of their political preference or affiliation, and we are deeply disturbed by this employee's actions."

They also clarified that the directive came from Washington, who had no authority to issue such orders. The employee has since been removed from her role, and an investigation is underway to ensure that no similar incidents occur in the future.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has condemned the incident, calling it an example of the "weaponization" of government by partisan activists within the federal bureaucracy.

He announced that Florida’s Division of Emergency Management would launch an investigation into the matter, adding, "New leadership is on the way in DC, and I’m optimistic that these partisan bureaucrats will be fired."

"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," remarked the former presidential candidate.

Critics demand accountability as FEMA investigates directive to bypass Donald Trump-supporting homes

Despite FEMA's assertion that this was an isolated incident, many critics, including members of Congress, are calling for accountability. Rep James Comer (R-KY) and the House Oversight Committee have raised concerns about FEMA failing to fire Marn'i Washington.  

"FEMA hasn’t fired this person…But the IRS has been trying to force IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley out for blowing the whistle! We must hold these unelected bureaucrats accountable," wrote Comer on X (formerly Twitter).

This controversy comes amid continued criticism of the federal government’s response to recent hurricanes, including accusations from Trump and other critics that the Biden administration has been slow to act.

FEMA has responded to over 365,000 households and provided nearly $900 million in direct assistance to those affected by the storms, but the controversy surrounding the treatment of Trump supporters remains a point of contention.

"We are horrified that this took place," said the agency, stressing that its mission is to assist all disaster victims regardless of their political affiliations. The investigation is ongoing, with FEMA promising further actions to address the issue and prevent future incidents of discrimination.

Internet erupts with calls for accountability following FEMA's directive to bypass Trump-supporting homes

Netizens were perplexed to learn about the FEMA worker's actions. 

One expressed, "People lost everything and these Government employees are worried about a political sign? Traitors."

A furious netizen demanded Trump take action, writing, "Donald Trump needs to make reforming FEMA one of his top priorities. We can't have federal relief agencies taking political affiliation into account when deciding who should receive assistance."

"Remember this, Dems, as you whine about what went wrong. Weaponization of govt wasn't just against Trump. This is why regular people voted Trump," argued a person. 

An individual stated, "A lot of people need to get fired over this. Maybe prosecuted." One more echoed, "Harsh punishments. These people had no regard for their fellow man's lives, so the same should be done to them."

Another person claimed, "Now think of the Helene response in Western NC and TN. They intentionally abandoned those people. Freaking infuriating." 

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