GEICO's Free Speech Controversy: Fired Marine Icon 'Gunney' For Criticizing Obama Celebrity former Marine drill instructor Lee “Gunney” Ermey says he was fired from GEICO insurance because he criticized President Obama. In December Gunney made headlines by criticizing Obama's handling of the economy. TMZ “So they fired you because of political reasons?” “Yeah,” Gunney answered. “If you’re a conservative in this town, you better watch out.”