HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is pressing for an investigation into FEMA following allegations that agency volunteers, as reported by the Daily Wire, were instructed to avoid homes belonging to supporters of President Elect Donald Trump while assessing damage from Hurricane Milton in Highlands County.
Internal messages, scrutinized by the Daily Wire, indicated that approximately 20 homes in Lake Placid displaying support for Trump were deliberately skipped during this critical evaluation phase. These revelations cast a shadow over the agency’s commitment to impartiality in disaster response.
In response, Governor DeSantis announced via social media that Florida’s Division of Emergency Management would spearhead the investigation. He condemned the actions as partisan misconduct, stating, “The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days.” His words lingered in the air, highlighting the urgency for accountability and a fair response to those affected by the storm.
At my direction, the Division of Emergency Management is launching an investigation into the federal… https://t.co/3uFpE62vxb
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) November 8, 2024
GOP lawmakers have echoed DeSantis’s sentiments, with Senator Rick Scott expressing visible outrage. “When people needed help the most, if career bureaucrats weaponized the federal government against them, that is a fireable offense. They should be blacklisted from ever working in government again,” he declared passionately.
We need to help EVERYONE regardless of their politics, & we sure as hell expect… https://t.co/zxyObud5Wb
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 8, 2024
Representative Anna Paulina Luna also responded swiftly, demanding answers from FEMA’s leadership regarding the discrimination faced by constituents based on their political affiliations. Her remarks emphasized the need for accountability, especially during such desperate times when assistance is paramount.
I just took swift action for the American people, and I’m demanding answers from @FEMA_Deanne on why Americans were discriminated against by their government based on who they support in an election. The findings are revolting, and we need accountability. You have until 11/25.
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) November 9, 2024
A spokesperson for FEMA stated the agency is “deeply disturbed” by the alleged incident, affirming that the employee responsible for the directive did not have proper authorization. Their commitment to serving all survivors, regardless of political backgrounds, was emphasized as they work to rectify this situation.
FEMA’s Full Statement to Fox News Digital:
“FEMA helps all survivors regardless of their political preference or affiliation, and we are deeply disturbed by this employee’s actions. While we believe this is an isolated incident, we have taken measures to remove the employee from their role and are investigating the matter to prevent this from happening ever again. The employee who issued this guidance had no authority and was given no direction to tell teams to avoid these homes. This is a matter that we take extremely seriously…”
This situation invites reflection on the fragility of community bonds in times of crisis, especially in areas like Lake Placid that are known for their resilience and tight-knit networks. Local businesses such as The Honey Pot Café and Placid Lakes Town Hall often serve as lifelines for residents, supporting each other during recovery efforts. It raises the question: can compassion transcend politics, or does it falter in the shadow of affiliations?
This story continues to develop and resonates deeply, reminding us that every storm carries not just wind and rain but also a broader impact on the community. A subtle, yet poignant fact is that, despite the controversies, FEMA has assisted over 365,000 households following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida, providing nearly $898 million in direct aid. Yet, as this narrative unfolds, the agency’s ability to serve without bias is under scrutiny—an unfortunate backdrop to the ongoing recovery efforts.
