The aftermath of Hurricane Milton in Florida revealed an unsettling controversy that left many residents in the small city of Lake Placid upset.
Reports surfaced that a FEMA supervisor had directed relief workers to bypass homes displaying Trump flags or signs, sparking outrage and prompting swift actions from officials.
Initial shock turned into widespread condemnation as the news spread that at least 20 homes were skipped over due to this guidance. Whistleblowers revealed the directive to The Daily Wire, the first to report on the incident. Residents expressed their disbelief and frustration at being denied essential relief during a time of crisis due to political biases.
Among those affected was Angela Wrench, who recounted her disbelief over learning that her home, damaged by tornado-induced winds, had been intentionally bypassed. “I think it’s horrible. I think it’s a horrible thing that anybody thought that was OK,” Wrench shared with WFLA. She underscored the unfairness, emphasizing, “We pay our taxes. We have just as much right to that money as anyone. It shouldn’t have anything to do with our political beliefs, none whatsoever.”
Following Hurricane Milton, @FEMA workers were told to avoid helping Trump supporters.
Anyone involved should be FIRED IMMEDIATELY.
We are ONE NATION.
We are ONE PEOPLE.
And we have ONE SHARED DESTINY.Your politics SHOULD NEVER determine whether you receive disaster relief. pic.twitter.com/Rv3PEt04qb
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) November 11, 2024
FEMA’s response came swiftly after the news gained traction. Relief workers returned to Wrench’s home, a day after the report went viral. She recalled confronting the workers, asking, “You are here because of the news, correct?” After initial hesitation, one confirmed her suspicion, stating they were there “trying to make things right.”
Jack Wolfe, another Lake Placid resident, echoed similar sentiments, expressing disappointment over relief decisions influenced by political alignment. “It was disappointing. I know that there’s a lot of people with a lot of emotions when it comes to this time of year for election and I don’t think it should matter how you voted or who you are,” Wolfe said.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell promptly addressed the situation after claiming in October that any accusations of bias by the organization was misinformation.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell torched MAGA lies about Hurricane Helene relief efforts calling them “ridiculous” today speaking with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos.
When asked if FEMA is ready for Hurricane Milton, Criswell says “we are absolutely ready.”… pic.twitter.com/vrvKuw2Ggl
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) October 6, 2024
But there’s another question that needs to be asked.
Did these teams obey their supervisor who gave an unlawful order?
Did those teams follow the procedure when a supervisor gives an unlawful order?
If not, they all need to be held accountable.
What took place was an outrage, and those involved should be held accountable.
