Mann, Colleagues Blast FEMA’s Political Discrimination, Demand Accountability

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Sam Graves (MO-06), and Scott Perry (PA-10), alongside their Republican House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee colleagues, sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell blasting the agency’s guidance to withhold disaster relief efforts from homes with pro-Trump signage. The lawmakers expressed outrage over the series of events and demanded accountability.

Earlier this month, as FEMA employees were responding to damage done by Hurricane Milton in Florida, it was reported that a FEMA supervisor sent a message instructing workers to “avoid homes advertising Trump.” FEMA tracking records confirmed that homes with yard signs supporting President Trump were skipped for assistance as a result of this directive.

“Your inability to ensure that FEMA provide relief to all Americans affected by disasters, free of discrimination, represents a substantial failure of leadership,” the Members wrote. “The blatant disregard of President-elect Trump supporters directly contradicts FEMA’s core mission and values.

The Members demanded that FEMA brief the Committee on the agency’s failure to aid Americans regardless of party affiliation and identify the steps it is taking to prevent future discrimination by December 2, 2024. Additionally, they requested documents and communication related to disaster relief efforts in Florida and in response to Hurricane Helene.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee oversees FEMA and other emergency management responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security.

Read the full letter to the FEMA Administrator here.

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