The New York Times has come under fire for failing to update a fact-check that dismissed claims of political bias in FEMA’s hurricane relief efforts. This comes after allegations surfaced that a FEMA supervisor instructed workers to skip homes displaying Trump signs.
President Donald Trump initially raised concerns about bias on Truth Social, claiming Republican areas were being neglected. At the time, the Times fact-check concluded there was “no evidence” to support his claims, citing Republican governors who praised FEMA’s response.
To those lamenting the hatred from the right. To those fearing fascism, where government agencies treat certain citizens like, dare I say it, garbage. 👇🏻@DanaKennedyLive
— Christine Flowers (@flowerlady61) November 9, 2024
However, The Daily Wire recently reported that Marn’i Washington, a FEMA supervisor in Highlands County, told workers to avoid Trump-supporting homes. FEMA confirmed the allegations and stated that Washington had been removed from her role.
Despite this, the Times has not revised its earlier report. Fox News contributor Joe Concha criticized the inaction, stating, “No retraction coming correct?”
Imagine what they’ve done that doesn’t make the news…https://t.co/oLccJPQ0kH pic.twitter.com/AXIyJa1VQc
— 𝕛𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟_𝕠𝕟_𝕩 (@jason_on_x) November 10, 2024
FEMA described the incident as isolated and emphasized its efforts to assist all hurricane survivors. The agency said over $898 million in aid has been distributed in Florida following recent storms.
Fired: The FEMA supervisor, accused of ordering her subordinates to bypass homes with Trump campaign signs in Florida, has been fired! Marn’i Washington was sacked for telling disaster relief workers knocking on doors in Lake Placid, Fl, to “avoid homes advertising Trump!” pic.twitter.com/YNqtz2nifK
— John Cremeans USA (@JohnCremeansUSA) November 9, 2024
The FEMA story needs to be investigated. FEMA was skipping homes in Highlands County, Florida simply because they had Trump flags in their front lawn. The person who gave the order was Marn’i Washington. After the news hit, she changed her name on LinkedIn to Mariana Gatlinburg. pic.twitter.com/27LJrAXYXX
— David Karim (@davidkarim) November 9, 2024
Conservatives argue that the Times’ silence on the matter reflects broader media bias against Trump and his supporters. Many are calling for the outlet to update its reporting in light of the confirmed allegations.
