Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan, joined by 54 House colleagues, has called for accountability from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following reports of alleged political discrimination in disaster relief efforts. According to inside sources at FEMA, a supervisor instructed staff to avoid providing assistance to homes displaying campaign signs for President-elect Trump. This directive reportedly led to at least 20 homes being bypassed by relief workers from late October through November.

The supervisor suggested that this practice was not confined to Florida but also extended to the Carolinas. She claimed that "senior leadership will lie to you and tell you that they don't know" about the situation while FEMA continues denying assistance nationwide.

Congressman Buchanan stated, “FEMA has a responsibility to serve every American equally, regardless of political affiliation—especially in times of crisis.” He emphasized that allowing political bias in disaster relief efforts is "a clear violation of FEMA’s mission."

The letter addressed to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell was co-signed by several representatives including Robert Aderholt, Brian Babin, Aaron Bean, and others. The lawmakers urged FEMA to address the issue promptly and restore public trust in its ability to serve all Americans impartially.

Buchanan has been actively involved in supporting communities affected by recent storms. In October 2024, he co-led a letter with Florida's bipartisan Congressional delegation requesting an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden after Hurricane Milton. He also supported Governor DeSantis' request for another such declaration following Hurricane Helene.

In their letter, the lawmakers expressed concern over reports that a FEMA official directed relief workers away from homes with Trump campaign signs during disaster response efforts in Florida. They highlighted allegations from within FEMA indicating this was part of broader politically motivated actions extending beyond Florida.

While acknowledging that the implicated supervisor has been dismissed, Buchanan and his colleagues demanded assurances that all affected families would be contacted and receive necessary assistance. They requested information on measures being implemented to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.

The lawmakers posed several questions regarding safeguards against political discrimination within FEMA and sought details on any further investigations or disciplinary actions related to these claims.

“Americans deserve better," they concluded. "We urge FEMA to take swift and decisive action…to ensure that all affected Americans receive the assistance they deserve.”