‘There are serious concerns of political bias in FEMA,’ Trump wrote in the executive order.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday launching a detailed investigation into FEMA, citing concerns over political bias. The order specifically addressed a scandal involving FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington, who allegedly instructed relief workers in Lake Placid, Florida, to “avoid homes advertising Trump.”
The incident, first reported by The Daily Wire, was highlighted as one of the reasons Trump deemed FEMA in need of reform. The executive order announced the creation of a council to assess the agency’s performance and investigate allegations of bias.
“There are serious concerns of political bias in FEMA,” Trump wrote. “Indeed, at least one former FEMA responder has stated that FEMA managers directed her to avoid homes of individuals supporting the campaign of Donald J. Trump for President.”
Whistleblowers told The Daily Wire that Washington’s instructions, communicated both verbally and via group chat, led to at least 20 homes affected by Hurricane Milton being skipped. Washington was subsequently fired by then-FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell after the allegations surfaced.
In later interviews, Washington claimed her instructions were approved by her superiors, stating that the agency had a policy to bypass “politically hostile” homes. The incident is currently under investigation by Congress and the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump has repeatedly criticized FEMA, alleging that the agency has mistreated hurricane victims due to their politically conservative views. In the executive order, he also accused FEMA of misallocating resources, stating the agency has spent over a billion dollars on tasks beyond its intended scope, such as aiding illegal immigration.
The order establishes a 20-member council, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of FEMA’s operations.
The council is instructed to evaluate FEMA’s ability to respond to disasters impartially, provide recommendations for improvement, and produce a report detailing how disaster relief has been managed. The order also calls for input from states and other stakeholders affected by natural disasters.
“Americans deserve an immediate, effective, and impartial response to and recovery from disasters,” the executive order stated. “FEMA requires a full-scale review by experienced individuals who can recommend improvements or structural changes to promote the national interest and enhance national resilience.”
