Florida sues FEMA for discrimination accusing it of denying aid to Trump supporters

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is suing Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell, and a former FEMA supervisor for violating the civil rights of Florida residents in the response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit in late September and early October.

The federal lawsuit accuses FEMA officials of conspiring to discriminate against Florida hurricane victims who support President-elect Donald Trump.

The suit names Criswell, and former FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington, who was fired after reports that she directed FEMA workers in Lake Placid, Fla. to skip over houses that displayed Trump campaign signs and flags in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

“Hurricane season is not over, and the federal agency in charge of emergency response is embroiled in scandal – caught withholding aid from storm victims in Florida who support President Trump,” said Moody, a Republican.

“I am taking swift legal action to find out how far this political discrimination reaches and to make sure all Americans who fall victim to devastating storms are served, regardless of their political affiliation.”

After reports of the incident, Criswell called Washington’s behavior “reprehensible” and fired her. She said Washington’s directive was a “clear violation of FEMA’s core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation.”

But the former supervisor, in an interview on media commentator Roland Martin’s digital show, claimed she was following standard protocol to avoid hostility in the field.

The incident came just days after conspiracy theories about FEMA spread after Hurricane Helene devastated the southeast, leading to threats of physical violence against FEMA workers in North Carolina. The agency curtailed door-to-door field operations there for a short period.

A spokesperson with FEMA says the agency does not comment on pending litigation.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backs the legal action and says he’s instructed other state agencies to investigate and “ensure those who engaged in this behavior are held accountable.”
 
Criswell faces Congressional scrutiny over the matter as well. She’s scheduled to appear before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee next Tuesday.

 

Trump picks RFK Jr. to oversee the Department of Health and Human Services

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — a former presidential candidate who has a history of spreading conspiracy theories, including about vaccines — is poised to have a key health role in the Trump administration.

‘Historic’ drop in U.S. overdose deaths accelerates as fentanyl crisis eases

A new CDC report shows at least 16,000 lives were saved over a 12-month period. Experts say the U.S. is experiencing the biggest drop in fatal overdoses seen since the opioid crisis began in the 90s.

How the CDC could change under the next Trump administration

If the new administration embraces proposals to cut the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's budget and its mission, the public health agency could look very different than it does today.

Senate Republicans concerned with Gaetz nomination ask to access House ethics probe

Senators are calling for access to a House Ethics Committee probe into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., following his nomination to be the next Attorney General under president-elect Donald Trump.

Any tips on having difficult conversations during the holidays? We want to hear

The holidays are fast approaching. Some politically divisive conversations could happen after this recent presidential election. What are your tips to help navigate them?

Will Spotify’s AI DJ make you listen longer?

The music streamer's AI DJ feature offers personalized playlists with a warm AI voice that gives context to song picks.

More Front Page Coverage