(Alan Wooten, The Center Square) Reports of FEMA disaster assistance teams in 2024 bypassing homes displaying signs supporting then-presidential candidate Donald Trump were true and were indicative of a pattern tracing back to Hurricane Ida in 2021, says an internal probe by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
In addition, the 22-page analysis made available Tuesday says the Federal Emergency Management Agency violated the Privacy Act of 1974, treated individuals unfairly based on political beliefs, and these actions stemmed from systemic issues in FEMA policies, processes and practices.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said evidence is clear of “textbook political discrimination against Americans in crisis.”
“The federal government,” Noem said, “was withholding aid against Americans in crisis based on their political beliefs – this should horrify every American, regardless of political persuasion. For years, FEMA employees under the Biden administration intentionally delayed much-needed aid to Americans suffering from natural disasters on purely political grounds.
“They deliberately avoided houses displaying support for President Trump and the Second Amendment, illegally collected and stored information about survivors’ political beliefs, and failed to report their malicious behavior. We will not let this stand.”
Matt Taibbi was first to report the investigation’s conclusion on Monday. The Center Square on Monday was unsuccessful obtaining a copy of the report prior to Tuesday morning national release.
Evidence examined by the Privacy Office of Homeland Security included screenshots of FEMA’s tool to collect and maintain information for the purpose of disaster survivor assistance. The report says, “The entries within the tool clearly showed that canvassers included information related to political party affiliation, campaign signs, and other information that may be considered First Amendment-protected freedom of expression within the free-text notes section.”
And, it said, “In several instances, canvassers’ records indicate that canvassers skipped homes and left no disaster assistance flyers, citing the First Amendment-protected activity.”
A map of the United States includes instances in eight states between 2021 and 2024, with the testimony to Congress quote of former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell above it. She said, “I do not believe that this employee’s actions are indicative of any widespread cultural problems at FEMA.”
Marn’i Washington, fired from her position as a disaster survivor assistance crew leader for FEMA, on the Nov. 11 edition of the Roland Martin Unfiltered Daily Digital Show had confirmed homes were skipped. She said it happened at homes not only with signs for Trump but also Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.
She said it happened in Florida and the Carolinas. Hurricane Milton was one of three hurricanes to hit Florida in 66 days, and another was Helene that ravaged Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee – the most deaths and mostly cosstly damange coming in North Carolina.
On the Homeland Security report’s map, two notations for North Carolina include instances in October and November last year. The first says, “The survivor had a sign that read … NRA, we do our part,” and the second said, “Survivor stated that homes have been damaged, but there are Republicans on the grounds with guns so please be careful.”
A dot for Florida from October says, “Trump sign, no contact per leadership.” Another dot for November said, “There was a political flyer so I didn’t leave a FEMA brochure.”
From September 2021 in Pennsylvania, the report notes, “… a lot of explicit political flags, posters, etc. ‘F— Joe Biden’ ‘MAGA 2024’ ‘Joe Biden Sucks’ ‘Trump 2024’ We do not recommend anyone visiting this location.”
From October 2021 in Louisiana, “Homeowner had sign stated … this is trump country.”
The map and incidents noted were not inclusive of findings; rather, just a sampling.
Noem said the following actions will happen:
- Referred the case to the Department of Justice for further investigation and potential prosecution.
- Also referred the case to the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General.
- Canceled the door-to-door survey practice that FEMA used to discriminate against Americans.
- Instructed the DHS Privacy Office to issue clear recommendations to FEMA to address these egregious violations and prevent future ones.
- Required FEMA to adhere to stricter data collection practices, strengthen guidance and training, and clearly define legitimate safety and hostility concerns to ensure staff make fair and lawful decisions.
- Instructed FEMA to also implement rigorous oversight and auditing mechanisms to restore integrity to its disaster relief operations.
