Politico: FEMA administrator under investigation for travel, use of government cars



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Politico reported on Thursday that Long is currently undergoing a general investigation by the inspector of the Department of Homeland Security, citing three current and former government officials who are aware of the situation.

Politico reported that the DHS IG is investigating whether Long misused vehicles and government staff for his six-hour drive from his home in North Carolina to FEMA headquarters in Washington.

According to Politico, one of the government vehicles, a black Suburban, was involved in a wreck, which prompted the IG to look into the matter.

At the beginning of his tenure at FEMA last year, Long began using a driver to take him home to Hickory, North Carolina, according to Politico.

Quoting a current official, Politico also said assistants had been placed in a hotel at the expense of taxpayers Long Weekend in North Carolina.

Long, the DHS IG office and the White House have not all responded to Politico's requests for comment.

FEMA's Director of External Affairs, Jessica Nalepa, said any questions regarding an investigation should be directed to DHS IG, adding that FEMA "fully cooperates with all investigations conducted by the DIG OIG".

"Long Administrator and FEMA's workforce focus on the preparation, response and recovery of Hurricane Florence and other active tropical systems," Nalepa said in a statement. on Twitter in response to the Politico report. "Having worked directly with him for over a year, I know that Long is an experienced and respected emergency manager."

"Any questions regarding a potential investigation by the Office of the Inspector General should be directed to the IG. At present, we are fully focused on the preparation, response and recovery after Hurricane Florence and storms in the Pacific, "said DHS. Press Secretary Tyler Houlton told Politico in a statement. "The secretary is confident in FEMA's leadership and proven ability in disaster management."

The news of a DHS GI Long survey comes as the country prepares for Hurricane Florence, a Category 2 hurricane that is expected to hit the shores of Carolina.

Long is now one of the main Trump administration officials who have been subjected to a careful review of their travel habits.

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