Former President Donald Trump’s recent visit to North Carolina saw him repeat claims about FEMA’s handling of disaster relief finances. These allegations, however, have been widely discredited.
Former President Donald Trump reiterated allegations concerning FEMA’s handling of funds designated for disaster relief during a visit to North Carolina. He claimed that the agency diverted funds meant for hurricane victims to support illegal migrants instead. Trump alleged, “They spent it on illegal migrants,” and questioned why funds were used inappropriately. He further insinuated that this reallocation might influence electoral outcomes by enabling undocumented migrants to vote, although he did not provide evidence for these claims.
A thorough review reveals multiple inaccuracies in Trump’s assertions. Firstly, there is no factual basis to suggest FEMA or any government agency is enabling undocumented migrants to vote. Voting by non-citizens in federal elections is illegal. Trump’s claims about FEMA reallocating disaster relief funds are unfounded. FEMA’s budget for such assistance remained intact, with funds allocated separately for migrant programs.
In 2024, Congress allocated $650 million to house migrants, administered by FEMA. Importantly, this allocation is separate from the substantial $35 billion provided for disaster relief. This separation indicates that monies for disaster relief were not diverted, contrary to Trump’s assertions. Even certain Republican figures, like Rep. Chuck Edwards from North Carolina, have publicly countered Trump’s claims, confirming that disaster funds were not moved to border-related expenses.
Despite Trump’s suggestions, FEMA is financially equipped to respond to disasters. As of the report, the Disaster Relief Fund held approximately $8.5 billion. FEMA officials assured that funds are sufficient for immediate needs, though they may seek additional funds due to frequent natural disasters. Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas acknowledged potential future shortages but clarified that current needs are met.
Contrary to Trump’s statements, North Carolina has received considerable aid following Hurricane Helene. Over $300 million in federal assistance has been provided to date. Of this, FEMA approved more than $102 million for individual victims and additional millions for local government support within the state. These figures contradict claims of inadequate support.
Reactions to Trump’s claims have been mixed, with some supporters echoing his assertions. However, fact-checking organisations and several officials have disputed his statements, emphasising the importance of relying on verified information. The discrepancy between public perception and factual accuracy highlights ongoing challenges in the dissemination of reliable news.
In summary, Trump’s assertions regarding FEMA and disaster relief funding do not align with the facts. Both government officials and records confirm that FEMA’s financial management of disaster assistance remains intact.
