Gov. Lee, TN AG to investigate whether Tennesseans were discriminated against during FEMA relief efforts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Governor Bill Lee announced that he and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti will investigate whether Tennesseans were discriminated against during relief efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The investigation into Lee and Skrmetti comes after FEMA said one of its employees advised its disaster relief team to avoid homes with signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump following Hurricane Milton in Florida.

A FEMA spokesman said the agency was “deeply disturbed by the actions of this employee” and the incident was under investigation. The agency did not identify the employee but said she had been removed from her position.

Lee said he will work with the AG to determine whether recent relief efforts have discriminated against Tennesseans, which appears to be tied to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

“FEMA exists to serve all Americans, and these actions have undermined people’s trust by failing to provide urgently needed assistance to all survivors,” Lee said. “Americans should never allow the government to use a weapon against them. I'm working with you @AGTennessee to seek answers and determine whether Tennesseans have been discriminated against, and we look forward to President Trump taking swift action to remove partisan bureaucrats when he takes office.”

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