Marn’i Watkins, an ex-FEMA worker, says that she has been scapegoated.

FEMA Director Deanne Critswell has vowed to ask the inspector general to investigate orders for FEMA employees not go near homes of Trump supporters when assisting with Hurricane Milton relief efforts.

Criswell gave this commitment in her Tuesday testimony to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Criswell insists that the orders to avoid pro Trump homes were issued by a single employee and not as part of a larger directive.

Scott Perry, R.-Pa. Chairman of the Subcommittee, asked Criswell if FEMA’s internal investigation, which is ongoing, included officials higher than Marn’i Washington. Washington was the employee who had issued the order.

Criswell stated that the investigation included those who were deployed during this incident. “We have found no evidence of anything other than this employee’s specific directions,” Criswell added.

Perry asked, “Why wouldn’t it be an independent investigation done by someone like [the inspector general]?”

Criswell, before being cut off, said: “The actions taken by this employee are unacceptable.”

Perry interjected, “I know you know it.”

Criswell added, “I would be happy to see an investigation conducted by the IG.”

Perry asked, “But you still haven’t made a request – are you going to make one?”

Criswell confirms, “I will ask for one.”

Criswell’s claim contradicts Washington who claims that she has been scapegoated for the agency’s policy to avoid pro-Trump houses in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene, Milton and Irma.

Washington told Fox News that FEMA places a high priority on “avoidance” or “de-escalation”, in situations that may make some employees feel unsafe. This is not necessarily a political target at Trump supporters. She said that this could also include urban areas with dogs running loose.

Washington told Fox News Trace Gallagher, that if you discriminate against someone based on their political views, it would be a violation of the Hatch Act. However, he added, “unfortunately again, the passionate Trump supporters, some of them are a bit violent.”