Rep. Steube Demands Answers from FEMA on Allegations of Agency-Wide Political Discrimination Policy
Steube Calls for Transparency and Accountability After Reports of Widespread Bias Against Trump Supporters
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell, demanding immediate answers following reports that a FEMA employee instructed FEMA staff to avoid homes displaying signs in support of President Trump while canvassing Florida neighborhoods for disaster recovery assistance. Rep. Steube demands a response from FEMA about the fired employee’s assertation that this practice was not isolated and that she was following FEMA’s protocol of “avoidance” at homes with Trump signage.
“This blatant act of malice undermines the trust of the American people in FEMA’s ability to distribute disaster aid impartially,” said Rep. Steube. “Americans, regardless of their political beliefs, must have confidence that their government will not discriminate based on who you voted for, especially in times of crisis. This disturbing incident is yet another example of the Biden-Harris Administration weaponizing federal agencies to target supporters of President Trump, and it cannot stand. Thankfully, President Trump is on his way to DC to clean out the corrupt Washington establishment.”
In his letter, Rep. Steube outlines specific questions for FEMA, including what the alleged “avoidance” protocol includes, what disciplinary actions were taken against the employee, whether an internal review is underway, and what steps FEMA is taking to provide disaster assistance to the homes that were intentionally skipped.
Rep. Steube also emphasized the broader implications of this incident, calling it “a disturbing final act for a sad and vengeful Administration.” He urged FEMA to take extraordinary measures to repair public trust and guarantee fair treatment for all Americans.
The letter requests detailed answers from FEMA, addressing the following concerns:
- FEMA’s Discriminatory Policy: Is it agency policy for FEMA employees to practice “avoidance” in certain situations as claimed by Ms. Washington? Does this “avoidance” protocol include skipping homes displaying support for certain political ideologies or particular political candidates?
- Disciplinary Actions: What employment actions were taken against FEMA employees who directed and/or participated in discrimination against supporters of President Trump? If terminated, were employees also debarred from future employment and contracts with the federal government?
- Internal Review: Have you launched an internal review of agency communications to ascertain if other employees have provided similar directions to subordinates? If so, when can Congress expect to receive any findings from this investigation?
- Helping Intentionally Skipped Families: Has FEMA identified all the homes skipped by canvassers due to political affiliation? If so, what efforts have been made to ensure these individuals receive proper attention from your agency?
“This Administration had a duty to ensure that FEMA, and every federal agency, operates with integrity and fairness. They failed,” said Rep. Steube. “It’s critical that we get to the bottom of this incident to ensure it never happens again.”
