FEMA fires employee who told Florida relief workers to skip Trump supporters after hurricanes

A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official has been dismissed after directing Hurricane Milton relief workers to bypass homes displaying Trump signs, a FEMA spokesperson told Fox News. This action has prompted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to launch an investigation into the federal agency's conduct.

The unnamed FEMA official reportedly told relief workers canvassing Lake Placid, Florida, to "avoid homes advertising Trump" while assessing eligibility for federal aid, according to internal messages obtained by the Daily Wire. The outlet reported that, under this guidance, at least 20 homes displaying Trump signs or flags were skipped by workers, who documented notes like "Trump sign no entry per leadership" in a government system.

On Saturday, Deanne Criswell, FEMA’s administrator overseeing employee conduct, confirmed the employee's termination, calling the behavior "reprehensible" and a "clear violation of FEMA’s core values and commitment to aid all, regardless of political views."

"We are deeply disturbed by this isolated incident," a FEMA spokesperson said. "Our mission is to help everyone affected by disasters, regardless of political preference." FEMA also clarified that the official had no authority to direct teams to skip homes based on political affiliation and is now reaching out to households that may have been missed. The agency has assisted over 365,000 Florida households affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, providing nearly $900 million in aid.

Governor DeSantis strongly criticized FEMA after learning of the directive and announced that his administration will be investigating the matter. He called the actions of the official a "blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists," sparking concern over the integrity of relief efforts across the state.