FEMA Official Instructs Aid Workers to Be Ejected from Homes with Trump Signs in Hurricane-Devastated Florida: Who is Marn’i Washington?

Outrage has erupted over allegations that FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington instructed aid workers in Florida to stay away from homes bearing Trump signs in the wake of Hurricane Milton. According to reports prepared by Daily WireWashington issued this directive verbally on October 22, 2024, and reiterated it in a group chat with his team in Lake Placid, Florida, on October 27. The directive reportedly affected at least 20 homes in pro-Trump areas, sparking backlash, investigations and questions about FEMA’s impartiality.

‘Don’t Promote Trump’: FEMA Directive Sparks Outrage

Washington’s guidance, according to many FEMA workers, was direct: “Avoid homes advertising Trump.” This order was documented in FEMA’s system with notes such as “Trump signing, no contact per leader” and “Trump signing, no contact per leader.” Aid workers reportedly complied with those orders from late October to early November, leaving their homes in Highlands County, a stronghold of Trump supporters. A FEMA worker described the area as “heavily pro-Trump” and noted that many of those homes were hit hard by the hurricane, suffering from power outages, flooding and structural damage.

A FEMA worker expressed disbelief, saying, “I volunteered to help disaster victims, not to discriminate against them.” They added: “It’s almost unbelievable that anyone in the federal government thinks this is okay.” Another employee, upset with the instructions, said, “If they were damaged or lost power for more than thirty-six hours, it was my duty to inform them of the benefits they were entitled to.”

Whistleblower Complaint Expedited FEMA Response

The directive led to immediate turning away of FEMA personnel, and one worker filed a formal whistleblower complaint with the Department of Homeland Security. Complaint obtained by Daily WireHe argued that Washington’s orders violated FEMA’s mission and ethics, warning that the incident “could undermine the integrity of our agency and create a hostile work environment.” The complaint also stated, “These actions threaten the democracy of our country.”

FEMA began investigating in early November. FEMA supervisor Chad Hershey confirmed this Daily Wire He said the agency was “taking action” and reviewing the guidance Washington had issued. In an official statement, a FEMA spokesperson called the situation “deeply troubling” and “appalling” and said, “Helping people is what we do best.” The agency promised to “take extreme measures to correct this situation and ensure it never happens again.” FEMA also said Washington’s directive was unauthorized and not consistent with the agency’s mission.

Political Reaction and Calls for Responsibility

Washington’s directive quickly became a political flashpoint. Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized the order, calling it an example of “the blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists.” DeSantis announced that the Florida Department of Emergency Management would launch an independent investigation, calling Washington’s actions “un-American” and warning against political bias in federal agencies.

FEMA staff also expressed disappointment with the guidance. “It was sickening,” one team member said, adding: “I came to Florida to help people in need, regardless of who they voted for. Everyone deserves the same level of support.” “These actions were taken against the people who are most vulnerable,” another team member said, calling Washington’s actions a betrayal of FEMA’s core mission.

The State of Washington and FEMA’s Next Steps

Following the incident, FEMA took immediate action to address public concerns and confirmed that Washington “is not currently working in the state of Florida or any FEMA operation” while the investigation continues. As of Nov. 8, Washington had been reassigned but did not yet face any formal penalties other than being suspended from field operations, FEMA said.

In the meantime, the agency is conducting outreach efforts to affected residents who may have missed opportunities for assistance due to Washington’s guidance. FEMA highlighted that it has provided assistance to more than 365,000 households in Florida this hurricane season and distributed nearly $900 million in aid.

This is an evolving story. If you have tips or are an aid worker working under the directive and would like to share your story, email [email protected].