The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an organization dedicated to providing aid to individuals in the wake of disasters, has dismissed an employee who instructed her survivor assistance team in Florida to avoid homes displaying signs in support of President-elect Donald Trump. The agency’s administrator, Deanne Criswell, confirmed the termination, stating that the employee’s actions were in direct violation of FEMA’s core values and principles, which mandate assistance to all, irrespective of political affiliations.
Criswell further revealed that the matter has been referred to the Office of Special Counsel. The exact details of the incident, including the specific time and location, were not disclosed by either Criswell or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The latter has announced that the state’s division of emergency management will initiate an investigation into the incident.
FEMA has been instrumental in aiding Florida residents in their recovery from the recent Hurricane Milton. The agency, which is currently grappling with financial constraints, was also the target of a recent disinformation campaign.
FEMA boasts a workforce of over 22,000 individuals, a number that can surge to more than 50,000 active members during significant disasters. The agency operates out of 10 regional offices and has the ability to coordinate resources from across the federal government.
Criswell expressed her strong disapproval of the terminated employee’s actions, stating, “This was reprehensible. I want to be clear to all of my employees and the American people, this type of behavior and action will not be tolerated at FEMA and we will hold people accountable if they violate these standards of conduct.”