Trump’s claims about FEMA spending are debunked as the Biden administration responds to mounting criticism.Â
The raging storm, Hurricane Milton, is on the way to hit Florida, and President Joe Biden has described it as outrageous, irresponsible, and relentless promotion of disinformation and outright lies over the government’s hurricane response. Biden said this spread of false information is “eroding confidence” and rescue and recovery work, which is significant as Florida aims to brace for another potentially deadly storm. The president’s remarks are made at a time when false statements were made even more by Hurricane Helene, which hit several states.
Is Disinformation Affecting the Election Campaign?
The misinformation war continues against the background of an intense campaign for choosing the president. At the same time, Trump opposed several decisions by the Biden-Harris administration concerning hurricane aid. During various campaign rally performances, Trump has time and again alleged that the government embezzles money meant for disasters. However, Biden and his team have denied these allegations.
Trump’s central claim is that money to help the victims of these hurricanes has been diverted to finance aliens breaking the law in entering the United States. During a rally in Michigan last week, Trump said, “Kamala spent all her FEMA money- billions of dollars – on housing for the illegal migrants.”
What Are the Facts About FEMA Funding?
This statement has, however, been vehemently refuted by all quarters. On this issue, FEMA refuses to agree with Trump’s contention, dismissing them as “false.” The agency said that these counted as two distinct budgets in its purview. These include the Disaster Relief Fund, which, based on the last financial year, was over $20bn and is dedicated to ‘responding’ to hurricanes and other disasters. Not a single penny of this money has been siphoned.
FEMA also has its own 1.1 billion dollar Congressional appropriated budget over the last two years for feeding, housing, and other essential services for immigrants who have been released from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody. Two entirely separate pots of money are at issue here, and Trump’s assertion of billions being wasted confounds the two.
“There is no money shifting away from what needs to be required in disasters,” FEMA was obvious to declare.
Still, in August 2019, nearly $38 million was funneled from the FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE; such moves during Trump’s presidency warrant questioning the former president amid his current stand.
Is FEMA Running Low on Funds?
The emphasis is on FEMA’s funding after the head of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, warned that the agency could run out of money with the start of the hurricane season. However, FEMA has come out to assure the general public that it currently holds enough money for immediate response and recovery needs.
Nevertheless, Trump and his Vice presidential candidate, JD Vance, on the FEMA financial contribution have concentrated on the hurricane victims’ $750 compensation. Vance said at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, “They promised $750 to citizens who have lost everything.”
What Is the Context Behind FEMA's $750 Payments?
It must be noted that the $750 the victims of Hurricane Helene receive is just a form of compensation. It’s stated that the funds are for emergency purposes, using food, water, and medications. FEMA said this only amounted to the initial disbursement, and more monetary help would be given after the evaluation of each claimant. This additional aid can go to home improvements, property damage, and temporary shelter.
FEMA has made more than $210 million in funding available for areas impacted by Hurricane Helene at this time of the payment and housing assistance.
Did Georgia's Governor Fail to Reach President Biden?
Another lie Trump made was that the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, couldn’t even talk to President Biden after Hurricane Helene swept through the region. “He has been calling the president, but hasn’t been able to get him,’ Trump said during a press conference in Georgia on September 30.
That was promptly denied by Governor Kemp, a Republican, who said during the press briefing that Biden had called him the day before. The president himself phoned me only the day before yesterday in the afternoon. I missed him and called him right back, and he just said, ‘Hey, what do you need?’ I said we got what we need; we’re working through the federal process, and he said if you need any more help, just let him know, Kemp.
Were Rescue Efforts in North Carolina Neglected?
The criticism that Trump made was not only concentrated in Georgia. Speaking at a rally in Butler on October 5, he accused Vice President Kamala Harris of winning and dining in San Francisco. North Carolina was left with no helicopters – or rescues when a hurricane battered them. “It’s just – what’s happened there is very bad,” he said.
However, this, too, was false. By August 2020, when Trump made this statement, the NC National Guard had flown 146 missions and rescued 538 individuals and 150 pets during hurricane evacuation operations. On October 3, the Guard also shared a video showcasing their use of helicopters.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety also affirmed that the governor of the state had sought and got the nod from President Biden to deploy troops and resources to aid in the rescue process. “Currently, 50 helicopters are used by the National Guard and military personnel for the search and rescue missions,” the department said, adding the military helped deliver essentials.
How Will Disinformation Impact Future Rescue Efforts?
As Hurricane Milton is on the way to Florida, the Biden administration once again focuses on the problem of misinformation during disasters. Not only does disinformation erode people’s confidence, Biden noted, but it also prevents people from being saved from natural disasters.
Nevertheless, these efforts contain false narratives, and given the present political climate and upcoming election year, the politicization of disaster aid will not be going away anytime soon. Nevertheless, the emphasis stays on providing adequate rescue and recovery since it faces one more hurricane season.
