Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling for the resignation of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell over the federal agency’s handling of Hurricane Helene. Greene stated that Criswell will face questioning from the House Oversight Committee.
In a post on X, Greene indicated that Criswell will be scrutinized severely, mentioning the heated treatment received by Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned as Secret Service director following a congressional hearing about the agency’s performance during an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
The political backlash over FEMA’s response to the Category 4 hurricane, which devastated several states, has sparked criticism from Republicans, including Trump, who have blamed FEMA and the Biden administration for their actions.
Greene accused FEMA of “confiscating supplies, blocking help to Helene survivors, and using disaster relief funds to house undocumented migrants,” and she repeated her demand for Criswell’s resignation. In another post, she shared a video of a FEMA employee raising concerns about transgender migrants being misgendered in shelters associated with faith-based organizations, claiming that these actions demonstrate incompetence within FEMA.
In response to the backlash, FEMA launched a website to clarify misinformation regarding its disaster assistance. The agency stated that false claims can hinder survivors’ access to necessary help and dispelled rumors that it lacks funding to assist Helene victims, asserting that the initial payout to survivors is intended for essential needs like food and water while further assistance applications are processed.
FEMA also addressed misconceptions about its donations policy, clarifying that it does not accept direct donations or volunteer offers, encouraging individuals to partner with reputable organizations instead. The agency denied allegations of seizing donations or conducting vehicle stops involving armed personnel, emphasizing that local law enforcement is responsible for any such presence.
Concerns regarding FEMA’s financial resources were highlighted earlier in the week when Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that while the agency can address immediate needs, it lacks sufficient funds as the hurricane season progresses. Although Congress allocated $20 billion to FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund in a continuing resolution, it did not approve additional disaster relief funding.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed disappointment regarding the lack of further funding, emphasizing the need for congressional Republicans to take action for communities affected by Hurricane Helene.