An executive branch ethics watchdog is currently investigating allegations of discrimination against Trump supporters by a former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worker. The special counsel, Hampton Dellinger, has taken disciplinary action against the former FEMA employee for reportedly encouraging bias against individuals who support President Trump.
Allegations and Complaint
The complaint, filed by special counsel Hampton Dellinger, accuses a FEMA supervisor named Marn’i Washington of violating the Hatch Act. This federal law prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities while on duty. The complaint alleges that during a hurricane response mission in October, Washington instructed FEMA workers to avoid homes displaying Trump signs.
Following these allegations, FEMA terminated Washington’s employment. The decision came after reports surfaced that she had directed workers to bypass residences of Trump supporters in Highland County, Florida, post-Hurricane Milton. Washington defended her actions in television interviews, stating that she was concerned for the safety of her team members who had faced hostility at certain properties. However, conservative groups and the Trump campaign seized upon the incident as evidence of political bias within FEMA’s disaster response efforts.
Judicial Intervention
Special counsel Dellinger’s complaint coincided with a ruling by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who ordered Dellinger’s reinstatement pending further legal proceedings. The judge is reviewing arguments that President Trump unlawfully dismissed Dellinger from his position. Despite being a political appointee of President Biden, Dellinger’s removal may have violated federal regulations governing the special counsel’s tenure.
The Office of Special Counsel, an independent federal agency, is responsible for investigating potential violations of the Hatch Act and whistleblower complaints. It operates separately from the Justice Department’s special counsels who handle politically sensitive criminal cases.
Appeal and Further Action
The Trump administration has appealed Judge Jackson’s decision to reinstate Dellinger and is seeking an emergency stay from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. In response, Dellinger’s legal team has contested Trump’s interim appointment of a new special counsel. The complaint against Washington highlights discrepancies in her communication with supervisors regarding the directive to avoid properties with Trump-affiliated signage.
The matter has been referred to the Merit Systems Protection Board for review. While violations of the Hatch Act do not carry criminal penalties, they can result in a ban from federal employment and fines. The investigation underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards within government agencies and addressing allegations of political bias.
