In a recent development, a federal agency is pursuing disciplinary measures against a former employee of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) who allegedly instructed colleagues assisting hurricane victims to steer clear of residences marked with signs endorsing former President Donald Trump. This complaint was presented to the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board on Tuesday.
The complaint was lodged by the Office of Special Counsel, whose head was dismissed by Trump last week, only to be reinstated by a federal judge on Monday following a lawsuit against the president. The Office of Special Counsel concluded that the ex-FEMA employee, Marn’i Washington, breached the Hatch Act. This law limits the political activities of federal employees. Her actions occurred while she was in Florida in October, aiding survivors of Hurricane Milton. The special counsel claimed that Washington engaged in political activities while on duty and used her official influence to potentially influence electoral outcomes.
“Government employees clearly breach the Hatch Act when they partake in clear partisan political actions while performing their official duties,” stated special counsel Hampton Dellinger in a statement sent via email. The penalties for such actions may include a civil fine or a temporary prohibition on federal employment.
Attempts to contact Washington using publicly available phone numbers have been unsuccessful, with numbers either disconnected or leading to uninitialized voicemails. Furthermore, an email address associated with her returned as undeliverable, leaving it uncertain whether she has legal representation to provide a statement.
Washington, who was terminated from her position in November, maintains her innocence, asserting to NewsNation that she has been falsely accused. “There’s no Hatch Act violation. I was merely following orders,” she stated, explaining that the guidance stemmed from “negative” interactions her team had faced at homes displaying Trump-supportive signs.
In an additional twist, Dellinger, who was appointed by the Senate to lead the Office of Special Counsel last year, was abruptly dismissed by Trump as part of a significant restructuring of the federal workforce. Dellinger retaliated by suing the president on Monday, claiming his termination was unlawful.
Later that day, a federal judge in Washington ruled that Dellinger should be reinstated as special counsel until at least midnight on Thursday, while legal disputes over his employment are resolved. The Trump administration has since filed an appeal against the judge’s decision, arguing that the president has the right to terminate his employment.
