The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has dismissed three additional FEMA employees after an inspector general report uncovered bias against homes with pro-Trump signs during Hurricane Milton relief efforts. DHS reports these dismissals follow other firings linked to the same issue.

FEMA’s Office of Professional Responsibility launched an investigation, determining that three employees did not adhere to FEMA’s conduct standards. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized the agency’s mission to protect all citizens regardless of political affiliation, particularly in critical situations like disaster relief.

“We’ve made sure that everyone responsible for this incident has been punished, and we’ll make sure that nothing like this ever happens again,” Mullin stated.

The controversy began when FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington directed personnel to bypass homes displaying Trump signage in Lake Placid, Florida, during Hurricane Milton’s aftermath. FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton stressed that accountability measures have been enacted for everyone involved, asserting that political bias has no place in public service.

Washington claims her actions aimed at safeguarding FEMA staff amid heightened political tensions. She detailed her concerns in a statement to the Washington Post, expressing that workers faced physical confrontations and accusations while on duty.

“People calling people on the phone saying FEMA was here. They would beat us to the fence and yell: ‘Don’t come here, you are part of Biden; we know what Biden is doing. You are taking our money and giving it to immigrants,’” Washington explained.

Damage from Hurricane Milton included severe flooding in Clearwater, Florida, resulting in at least four fatalities tied to tornadoes triggered by the storm. On October 10, 2024, over 3 million Floridians were left without electricity due to Hurricane Milton’s impact.

President Joe Biden addressed the hurricane’s initial effects at the White House and FEMA has since revised survivor outreach strategies, aiming for equity based on need rather than political influence.

Despite her dismissal, Washington maintains that her decisions were motivated by safety concerns, citing instances of hostility and aggressive postures faced by workers.