Ashley Moody, Vern Buchanan demand more answers behind FEMA discrimination against hurricane victims
Helene was bad, but it isn't the last storm for hurricane season.

helene horseshoe beach 3
Some 20 Florida homeowners were passed over by FEMA workers in wake of hurricanes because they had Trump signs.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan are demanding answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following perceived discrimination against some Florida hurricane victims due to political leanings.

Moody and Buchanan, a Sarasota Republican, held a joint news conference Friday expressing their concerns about equal treatment of hurricane victims in Florida after it was recently revealed that some FEMA workers were discriminating against Florida hurricane victims who were Donald Trump supporters.

Last week, Moody filed a lawsuit against FEMA amid a political firestorm over guidance from a Lake Placid-based FEMA supervisor that on-the-ground workers should not approach homes with Trump signs.

Buchanan vowed Congress would get to the bottom of the alleged discrimination now that Moody filed the suit.

“It is downright unconscionable to deny relief to storm victims simply because of their political preference,” said Buchanan. “FEMA has a responsibility to serve every American equally — especially in times of crisis. That’s why I’m leading efforts in the House to demand answers from FEMA to not only ensure all bad actors are held accountable, but to ensure this never happens again. I applaud AG Moody for taking legal action against FEMA officials for violating the civil rights of Florida residents.”

Buchanan signed a letter delivered to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, which was cosigned by 54 other members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The letter asked the agency to explain how such discrimination happened. The FEMA supervisor in Florida was fired, but there were similar reports of discrimination in the Carolinas.

Moody said she’s still disturbed by the reports of political discrimination among FEMA workers in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton that struck Florida in September and October, respectively.

“When we heard reports of FEMA skipping houses in Florida that had Trump signs and flags, we took quick legal action to hold FEMA accountable. Withholding disaster relief aid for any American on the basis of political affiliation is reprehensible. Florida won’t let this blatant discrimination stand,” Moody said.

As many as 20 Florida homeowners were bypassed for relief from federal workers because of the political signs they displayed outside their homes.

Drew Dixon

Drew Dixon is a journalist of 40 years who has reported in print and broadcast throughout Florida, starting in Ohio in the 1980s. He is also an adjunct professor of philosophy and ethics at three colleges, Jacksonville University, University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville. You can reach him at [email protected].


8 comments

  • Florida is Red

    November 24, 2024 at 4:59 pm

    Get to the bottom of this. Switch signs and characters and we would have a full blown investigation with Sharpton, Crump and others leading the charge.

    Reply

    • White Spiteful Demon

      November 24, 2024 at 6:37 pm

      Wonder why insecure White are doomed,and end up doing your own self ,you can even count on the majority of your family to defend, because lots of them had disown racist trash like you,wonder why your ass was not invited to their Thanksgiving dinner Gobble Gobble

      Reply

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    • cassandra was right

      November 25, 2024 at 12:39 pm

      “Withholding disaster relief aid”

      BS. These people were not denied assistance. But let’s just ask them how they would feel about the Federal Government showing up at their house unannounced. ??? Many commenters on FP have made it quite clear how THEY would respond. FEMA is being respectful. They’ve got a toll-free number MAGA

      Reply

    • cassandra was right

      November 25, 2024 at 1:06 pm

      Your comment is awaiting moderation.

      “Withholding disaster relief aid”

      BS. These people were not denied assistance. But let’s just ask them how they would feel about the Federal Government showing up at their house unannounced. ??? Many commenters on FP have made it quite clear how THEY would respond. FEMA is being respectful. They’ve got a toll-free number..

      Reply

  • Red Storm

    November 24, 2024 at 9:44 pm

    Is Blinken that much of a Pu**y? Getting therapy for he and his staff? No wonder we are getting our azzes kicked diplomatically.

    Reply

  • Dale

    November 25, 2024 at 7:51 pm

    ” following perceived discrimination against some Florida hurricane victims due to political leanings”. Perceived Mr Dixon? Really!! Perceived?

    Reply

    • Dale

      November 25, 2024 at 7:52 pm

      I should have also said I stopped reading the article after that.

      Reply

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