Florida Attorney General dismisses FEMA case alleging discrimination against Trump supporters

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has dismissed a lawsuit that accused Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials of discriminating against Trump supporters during disaster relief efforts after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The case stemmed from allegations that a FEMA supervisor, Marn’i Washington, instructed workers to avoid homes with pro-Trump signs, leading to public outcry and federal review. As part of the settlement, FEMA issued a letter expressing regret for the incident, confirming Washington was terminated, and committing to improved training to prevent political discrimination in the future. The letter, signed by FEMA head Deanne Criswell, stated that the actions were unacceptable but did not admit broader agency wrongdoing. Federal investigations found no evidence of a systematic FEMA policy to deny aid based on political affiliation, and the agency reaffirmed its commitment to fair and impartial service delivery. Both parties agreed to pay their own legal fees, and no damages were awarded.