TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking legal action against Federal Emergency Management Agency officials after whistleblower reports of alleged political discrimination.

Last week, a report said a FEMA official advised his team to avoid homes with Trump signs while helping with relief efforts after Hurricane Milton.

Following the report, Attorney General Moody announced that he is seeking punitive damages to hold FEMA accountable for “violating the civil rights of Floridians,” according to a press release from the Attorney General. (RELATED: DeSantis launched an investigation after a FEMA worker allegedly discriminated against Trump supporters)

“Hurricane season is not over, and the federal emergency response agency is embroiled in scandal — caught withholding aid to Florida storm victims who support President Trump,” Attorney General Moody said, according to the news release. “We are taking swift legal action to find out how far this political discrimination goes and to make sure that all Americans who fall victim to the devastating storms are served, regardless of their political affiliation.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis responded to the announcement that legal action was being taken.

“It is unacceptable for the federal government to discriminate against Floridians who voted for Trump, and it is especially unacceptable in the wake of a hurricane,” Gov. DeSantis said in a post for X.

This lawsuit seeks to have the court declare that the defendants conspired to interfere with the civil rights of Floridians who support Trump.

This would violate 42 USC § 1985(3)which includes disclaimer and support or advocacy clauses.

Moody’s complaint says at least 20 homes with Trump signs or flags were left out in Lake Placid after Hurricane Milton.

The press release also states that FEMA Supervisor Marn’i Washington, who issued the order to skip homes, said in an interview that the directive was not an isolated event and occurred across the country.

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