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A recent incident involving a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official has led to their removal from duty after they instructed disaster relief personnel to bypass homes displaying support for President-elect Trump in the aftermath of hurricanes that struck Florida.
In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, a FEMA representative expressed the agency’s “deep concern” regarding this occurrence, clarifying that the official responsible for this directive had not been authorized to instruct teams to avoid any residences.
“We believe this is an isolated case,” stated the spokesperson. “We have taken steps to remove the individual from their position and are conducting an investigation to ensure such incidents do not recur.” They added that outreach efforts are underway for those who may have been overlooked due to this directive.
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The Daily Wire was first to report on internal communications related to this matter, revealing instructions given by a FEMA official advising workers against engaging with homes that displayed Trump-related signage.
The report highlighted that aid workers were required to log their interactions in a system indicating no contact was made with certain residents, attributing it directly to leadership’s guidance—specifically noting “Trump sign, no contact per leadership.”
FEMA has confirmed it is taking this situation very seriously and is actively investigating it.
Following hurricanes Helene and Milton, FEMA reported assisting over 365,000 households and distributing more than $898 million in direct aid.
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“We are appalled by what transpired and have implemented significant measures for rectification,” said FEMA officials. ”Our primary mission is helping people, and our dedicated workforce will continue supporting survivors as long as necessary.”
The U.S. House Oversight Committee along with Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) commented on X about the lack of termination for the individual who issued these directives.
“FEMA hasn’t dismissed this person… Meanwhile, IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley faces pressure for exposing wrongdoing! We must hold these unelected officials accountable,” Comer posted on X.
“While FEMA acknowledges the incident occurred, there’s no clarity on whether disciplinary action has been taken against those responsible,” noted the House Oversight Committee via X post. ”Democrats consistently defend regulations protecting bureaucrats from accountability which complicates firing ineffective employees—this underscores why we need reforms championed by President Trump.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also announced via X his administration would be initiating an investigation into FEMA’s actions following these revelations.
“The overt politicization of government functions by partisan actors within federal agencies highlights yet another reason why we believe the Biden-Harris administration is nearing its end,” DeSantis remarked. “Under my direction, our Division of Emergency Management will investigate targeted discrimination against Floridians supporting Donald Trump.”
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WATCH:
The discovery of mismanagement comes at a time when Biden’s administration criticized misinformation surrounding FEMA’s operations.
Diving deeper into governmental responses during hurricanes Milton and Helene,
President Biden condemned what he termed “reckless disinformation” being circulated.
“That $750 they keep mentioning? Mr.Trump knows it’s misleading if he suggests that’s all individuals will receive,” Biden stated during an October address.
“It’s absurd; they need stop spreading such narratives—it undermines American values.”
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