Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn has raised concerns about alleged bias within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following reports of discrimination against Trump supporters during Hurricane Milton relief efforts. In a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Blackburn expressed outrage over claims that a FEMA supervisor instructed workers to avoid homes displaying support for President-Elect Trump.

The allegations surfaced after a terminated FEMA supervisor suggested "FEMA always preaches avoidance first" and expressed openness to a congressional investigation. The controversy stems from reporting by the Daily Wire, which indicated that a FEMA employee, Marn’i Washington, advised teams to skip homes with signs supporting Trump. Evidence from FEMA logs reportedly shows numerous instances where aid workers noted "Trump sign no entry per leadership."

Blackburn highlighted that this incident reinforces existing mistrust in the federal government among Americans. She also pointed out that Washington described the bias as a "systemic problem" within FEMA, suggesting that political discrimination might be widespread in the agency.

In response to these revelations, Blackburn called for full cooperation with an investigation initiated by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti into potential discrimination by FEMA in Tennessee and other hurricane-affected areas. She emphasized the importance of holding accountable any individuals involved in political discrimination and reiterated her readiness to use Congress' oversight powers if necessary.

For more details on Blackburn's letter, readers are directed to view its full text online.