Charleston Leader

Last week, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia expressed her concerns regarding reports that a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee advised disaster assistance teams in Florida to avoid homes displaying support for President-Elect Donald Trump during Hurricane Milton recovery efforts. This issue was highlighted in a letter led by Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, addressed to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

The letter emphasizes the need for "answers, accountability, and transparency" from FEMA to ensure all victims receive support regardless of political affiliation. The senators stressed their commitment to preventing any form of politicization in disaster relief efforts.

Senator Capito also voiced her disapproval on social media about the alleged withholding of aid based on political preferences. She advocated for FEMA's efficiency and impartiality in providing relief.

During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing focused on disaster funding needs, Senator Capito directly addressed these concerns with the FEMA Administrator. She remarked, “If that particular FEMA employee had come to West Virginia, we wouldn’t have gotten much help because we’ve got a lot of Trump signs all throughout our state."