A former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee who was recently terminated has spoken out in defense of her actions after being accused of avoiding homes of Donald Trump supporters while providing relief in Florida after Hurricane Milton.
The ex-employee, Marn'i Washington, stated that she was following FEMA's guidelines, which instructed relief workers to remove themselves from hostile situations if they felt threatened or unsafe. Washington emphasized that all decisions were made with the focus on safety and ensuring the team's comfort.
Washington clarified that she did not act independently but rather followed orders from her task force lead. She explained that the decision to avoid certain areas was based on team members feeling uncomfortable and unsafe, rather than political motivations.
When asked about avoiding homes with Trump signs, Washington noted that it was only in selected areas where team members expressed concerns for their safety. She emphasized that all individuals, including Trump supporters, were registered and provided with services, but the team avoided areas deemed hostile.
The controversy surrounding the former FEMA employee's actions has led to increased scrutiny of the agency's disaster relief efforts. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is scheduled to testify on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are expected to question her about disaster relief operations and allegations of political bias in aid distribution.
