Trump Falsely Claims FEMA Funds Go to Migrants

Topline

Former President Donald Trump and his allies have claimed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency failed to respond well enough to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene because it diverted so much money to aid migrants – but that's not true, nor are the funds FEMA to handle disaster relief efforts separately from funds received by immigrant communities.

Important facts

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What you should pay attention to

Hurricane season runs through November 30, with September and October typically being the busiest months, the Associated Press notes. Therefore, it is possible that another hurricane could strike at the end of the month that FEMA would have difficulty responding to with its current funding levels. It remains unclear whether lawmakers will return to Washington to pass more funding before their recess ends in November. While even some Republicans have come out in support — including Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., all from states affected by Helene — the spokesman for the House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told the New York Times: “There is no need for Congress to return.”

Big number

34 billion dollars. That's about how much Hurricane Helene's devastation could cost, according to a Moody's Analytics forecast Thursday, based on estimated up to $26 billion in property damage and an estimated $5 billion to $8 billion in resulting economic losses . These estimates are too early and could change as the extent of the damage becomes clearer, Moody's noted.

Is Kamala Harris only giving $750 to hurricane victims?

Another claim from Trump and his allies is that Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration are only donating $750 to the victims of Helene's devastation and are doing nothing else. This is also incorrect, as FEMA notes on its website that the $750 amount is specifically intended for Serious Needs Assistance, which is emergency assistance that disaster victims can receive to pay for essentials such as food, water and emergency supplies. However, victims can still apply for and receive additional assistance from FEMA, such as money for temporary housing and repairs.

Important background

Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation in parts of the South, including North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida, with the death toll so far estimated at 215. The natural disaster has also become a political debate in the run-up to the presidential election, as Trump has criticized the Biden administration's response to the disaster, often by making up false accusations. Trump claimed on Monday that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp was “having a hard time getting the president on the phone” and that the “federal government wasn't very responsive,” although Kemp clarified that he had spoken to Biden and the president told Kemp to call him directly if he needed further assistance. Trump has also claimed that Biden and Harris “drowned Americans” — which is false since the administration has sent significant aid and federal troops to affected areas — and Trump allies have pointed to FEMA’s justice efforts to get the “No. 1″ of the agency's goal is to be awake.” The Biden administration has strongly condemned the claims of Trump and his allies: FEMA spokesman Jacklyn Rothenberg said the agency is “helping”

“All people, regardless of their background, as quickly as possible,” and Biden responded angrily to Trump’s false claims on Monday, saying the former president was “lying.” “The reason I'm so angry about this … I care about what he communicates to people in need,” Biden said. “It suggests that we are not doing everything we can. This is us.”

Further reading

Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response (FEMA)

Trump and his allies claim Biden/Harris response to Hurricane Helene was inadequate (Forbes)

Hurricane Helene: 1,000 troops stationed in North Carolina ordered to help rebuild in southern states (Forbes)