The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fired three additional FEMA workers on Thursday, August 27, 2026, after an inspector general (IG) report found that FEMA crews skipped servicing homes with pro-Trump signs during relief efforts following Hurricane Milton.

An investigation by FEMA's Office of Professional Responsibility determined that the three employees had "failed to meet FEMA's standards of conduct." DHS stated these firings were in addition to other personnel actions taken after the IG report was released last week.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized the importance of impartiality in disaster response, stating, "Our job is to protect the American people, regardless of their political beliefs. This is especially important when it comes to disaster relief, where every second counts and lives are on the line."

FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton credited former President Trump with empowering FEMA to hold accountable those responsible for misconduct and reform survivor outreach to ensure assistance is based on need and fairness. He said, "Thanks to President Trump, FEMA has been empowered to hold accountable those who are responsible and has changed how it conducts survivor outreach to ensure Americans are treated fairly and assistance is driven by need."

These recent firings follow the dismissal of FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington, who was terminated for instructing personnel to avoid homes with Trump signage in Lake Placid, Florida, in 2024.

Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida in October 2024, causing widespread damage and leaving more than 3 million people without power as of Thursday morning. A drone image showed destroyed beach houses in Manasota Key, Florida, illustrating the storm's impact.

DHS assured that all parties involved have been held accountable, with a commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future.

Sources