House committee demands interviews with FEMA employees about order to avoid Trump supporters' houses

The House Homeland Security Committee is seeking interviews with three FEMA officials regarding potential "systemic bias" against Trump supporters. This follows allegations that former FEMA employee Marn'i Washington directed relief workers to skip homes visibly displaying support for President-elect Trump during Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.

Committee Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell requesting interviews with FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan, Deputy Administrator Robert Ashe, and disaster survivor assistance lead Chad Hershey. Green is joined by Reps. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) and Anthony D'Esposito (R-N.Y.), who chair related subcommittees.

The request stems from comments Washington made to Fox News, claiming she was scapegoated for actions instructed by her superiors. "Ms. Washington’s statement contradicts FEMA’s press release and raises concerns of systemic bias within FEMA against Trump supporters," the letter states. Lawmakers fear such bias could lead to diminished disaster recovery support for Republican-leaning communities.

Criswell denounced Washington’s reported directive as “reprehensible” and against FEMA’s core values. However, Washington has defended her actions, saying she followed her superiors’ guidance and cited a broader FEMA culture of "avoidance" in politically charged or unsafe environments.

"This was the culture. They were already avoiding these homes based on community trends from hostile political encounters," Washington told Fox News. She emphasized that such practices are not explicitly political but include other factors like safety concerns, such as unleashed dogs in urban areas.

Green warned, "If [Washington] is correct and discriminatory practices exist within FEMA, this Committee will demand accountability from the highest levels."

The committee has requested interviews with the three FEMA officials by the week’s end and plans further oversight actions. Criswell is also set to testify Tuesday before two congressional committees, where she will likely face questions about FEMA’s policies and practices.

Washington acknowledged that explicit political discrimination would violate the Hatch Act but suggested that some Trump supporters had exhibited violent behavior, which may have contributed to avoidance decisions. Critics remain concerned about potential politicization in FEMA's disaster response efforts, sparking demands for transparency and accountability.