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The head of FEMA has told lawmakers that she supports a full investigation into allegations that a former employee directed staff to bypass homes displaying Trump campaign signs during hurricane relief efforts.

Let’s bring you up to speed: Earlier this month, allegations surfaced that a former FEMA supervisor, Marn’i Washington, instructed her team to bypass homes displaying Trump campaign signs during hurricane relief operations following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Washington reportedly directed 11 staff members (via a text) to avoid contacting the owners of these homes.

What’s going on now: While testifying before the House Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said that the directive to avoid homes with Trump campaign signs was “completely at odds with FEMA’s mission” and said that such actions “will not be tolerated at FEMA.” She confirmed that the employee responsible had been fired and reiterated her belief that this was an isolated incident, not reflective of broader practices within the agency.

Criswell assured lawmakers that all bypassed homes had since been visited and urged the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to investigate the matter thoroughly to determine if any higher-ups were involved. Despite her request for the OIG to get involved, Criswell confirmed that an investigation has yet to be opened.

Digging deeper: Marn’i Washington, the former FEMA supervisor at the center of the controversy, has defended herself, claiming she was merely following orders from her superiors when she instructed workers to bypass homes displaying Trump campaign signs during hurricane relief efforts. Washington has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that she “executes orders” rather than sets policies, and argued that FEMA leadership is using her as a scapegoat to deflect attention from broader systemic issues within the agency. In interviews, she has maintained that her actions were not a violation of the Hatch Act, which limits political activity by federal employees, and insisted that the directive came from higher up the chain of command.