Manatee Review

Last week, Congressman Vern Buchanan led a group of Republican lawmakers in urging action following reports that a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supervisor instructed staff to avoid providing storm assistance to homes displaying campaign signs for President-elect Trump. The allegations have prompted significant concern among several members of Congress.

Rep. María Elvira Salazar from Florida expressed her disapproval: “It is UNACCEPTABLE that Biden-Harris’ FEMA told employees to avoid helping Florida homes with Donald Trump signs in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.” She emphasized the need for answers regarding what she described as cruelty towards disaster victims.

Rep. John Rutherford, also from Florida, criticized the alleged actions as a violation of FEMA’s duty to serve all Americans: “I urge FEMA to identify all responsible parties within the agency, hold them accountable, & work to restore public trust.”

Rep. Laurel Lee highlighted concerns about political prejudice affecting government assistance: “The last thing Floridians should have to worry about after experiencing tremendous loss is whether or not political prejudice will hinder their ability to obtain government assistance.”

Other representatives joined in expressing similar sentiments. Rep. Kat Cammack remarked on political bias being inappropriate during disaster recovery efforts. Rep. Aaron Bean called the situation "outrageous" and stressed that politics should not override humanitarian needs.

Concerns extended beyond Florida, with Rep. Burgess Owens from Utah stating his support for Buchanan's call for accountability at FEMA: “Disasters hit Republicans and Democrats the same, and nobody should lose out on aid because of their political leanings.”

Several other congressional leaders echoed these concerns, emphasizing non-discrimination in federal aid distribution regardless of political affiliation.

In total, numerous representatives joined Buchanan in sending a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell demanding an investigation into the matter and assurances that such incidents would not recur.

Various media outlets reported on this issue including Washington Examiner and The Palm Beach Post, which highlighted potential civil rights violations against Trump supporters by FEMA post-storms.