FEMA Clarifies: Trump’s Migrant Funding Claims Are False

Former President Donald Trump has made repeated claims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is struggling to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene due to a diversion of funds to assist migrants. These assertions, however, are unfounded. FEMA’s financial resources designated for disaster relief are separate from the funds allocated to immigrant assistance programs.

At a recent rally, Trump alleged that “Kamala [Harris] spent all her FEMA money—billions of dollars—on housing for illegal migrants.” He further echoed sentiments from Fox News host Jesse Watters, asserting that “FEMA is now out of money because Joe Biden and Kamala spent over a billion dollars of FEMA cash on migrants.” Such claims have been a persistent theme in Trump’s rhetoric, particularly in the context of natural disasters and their management.

In a related statement, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged that FEMA’s disaster relief efforts are currently experiencing a significant cash shortfall. He warned that while the agency is currently “meeting the immediate needs” of those affected by Hurricane Helene “with the money that we have,” it lacks the financial resources to sustain its operations throughout the rest of the hurricane season.

However, Mayorkas clarified that these financial difficulties are not related to funds being redirected to assist migrants. While it is true that FEMA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have allocated over $1 billion to support communities housing migrants since the beginning of 2023, this funding comes from the Shelter and Services Program, which is entirely separate from the Disaster Relief Fund used for responding to hurricanes and other natural disasters.

FEMA has explicitly stated on its website that any claims suggesting disaster funds have been misallocated to border-related initiatives are “false.” The agency emphasizes that the Disaster Relief Fund is strictly designated for managing disasters, and no funds intended for this purpose have been diverted to non-disaster-related efforts.

The allocation of funding for FEMA’s disaster relief efforts is determined by Congress. Recently, concerns have been raised about the agency’s budget as lawmakers failed to provide additional funding in a stopgap funding bill passed last month. This legislation merely extended FEMA’s existing funding levels, allowing the agency to draw from $20 billion in funds more rapidly, but without providing the additional resources it desperately needs.

Democratic lawmakers had already expressed concerns regarding FEMA’s budget prior to Hurricane Helene’s landfall, noting that the agency had to halt non-emergency rebuilding efforts to preserve its financial resources. In light of the ongoing crisis, some lawmakers are calling for Congress to reconvene from its recess to pass new legislation that would provide the disaster relief fund with additional funding.

Looking ahead, the hurricane season continues until November 30, with September and October traditionally being the busiest months. The Associated Press has noted the potential for another hurricane to strike before the month ends, raising concerns that FEMA may struggle to respond effectively given its current funding constraints. As it stands, it remains uncertain whether Congress will reconvene to address the funding issue before its recess concludes in November. While some Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Rick Scott of Florida, and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, have advocated for congressional action, House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated there is “no necessity for Congress to come back.”

In terms of financial implications, projections from Moody’s Analytics suggest that the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene could result in costs of approximately $34 billion. This estimate is based on property damage alone, which could reach as high as $26 billion, alongside anticipated economic losses ranging from $5 billion to $8 billion. However, these figures are preliminary and may evolve as the full extent of the damage becomes clearer.

Another unfounded claim circulating among Trump and his allies is that Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration are providing only $750 to victims of Hurricane Helene. This assertion is misleading. FEMA clarifies that the $750 figure refers specifically to Serious Needs Assistance, which is immediate aid offered to disaster victims to help cover essential expenses such as food, water, and emergency supplies. Victims are still eligible to apply for and receive additional support from FEMA, including funding for temporary housing and repairs.

Hurricane Helene has caused widespread destruction across various Southern states, including North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida, leading to an estimated death toll of 215. The disaster has not only wrought physical damage but has also sparked a political debate as the presidential election approaches. Trump has been critical of the Biden administration’s response to the disaster, often resorting to misinformation. For instance, he claimed that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp had difficulty contacting President Biden, despite Kemp clarifying that he had spoken with the president, who urged him to reach out directly if further assistance was needed.

In addition, Trump has made outrageous claims, suggesting that Biden and Harris have “left Americans to drown.” This assertion is false, as the federal government has provided substantial supplies and deployed troops to assist affected regions. Moreover, Trump’s allies have accused FEMA of prioritizing “woke” initiatives, detracting from its core mission. The Biden administration has vigorously countered Trump’s allegations, with FEMA spokesperson Jacklyn Rothenberg emphasizing that the agency strives to assist “all people regardless of background as fast as possible.” In a passionate response, President Biden expressed his frustration over Trump’s false claims, asserting that the former president’s rhetoric undermines the agency’s efforts and the trust of those in need.