House Republicans are calling for an immediate investigation into the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following allegations that relief workers intentionally bypassed homes displaying support for President-elect Donald Trump during disaster response efforts in Florida and North Carolina.
In a letter addressed to Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) and Representative Scott Perry (R-PA) expressed deep concern over reports that FEMA personnel were instructed to avoid homes with Trump campaign signs. They cited whistleblower accounts suggesting that entire neighborhoods were neglected if multiple residences displayed pro-Trump signage.
The lawmakers emphasized the gravity of these allegations, stating that such discriminatory practices could have deprived disaster victims of essential federal assistance. They urged the Inspector General to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the issue and to ensure accountability within the agency.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has previously condemned any actions that compromise the agency’s commitment to impartiality, asserting that FEMA’s mission is to assist all individuals affected by disasters, regardless of political affiliation. She has pledged to cooperate fully with any investigative efforts to uphold the agency’s integrity.
The Inspector General’s office has not publicly commented on the matter, adhering to protocols that protect the integrity of ongoing investigations.
These developments have intensified scrutiny of FEMA’s operations, prompting discussions about the importance of neutrality in federal disaster response and the necessity of restoring public trust in governmental institutions.