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Jimmy Williams
Former President Donald Trump, during a rally in Saginaw, Michigan, on Thursday, repeated baseless claims that federal disaster relief funds had been diverted to support migrants in the U.S. illegally. These false allegations come amidst the Biden administration’s ongoing response to Hurricane Helene, which has left a trail of devastation across multiple states.
“They stole the FEMA money, just like they stole it from a bank, so they could give it to their illegal immigrants that they want to have vote for them this season,” Trump said, pushing a narrative that has spread rapidly among his supporters.
Trump and other prominent figures in conservative media appear to have conflated two separate funding streams. FEMA, responsible for disaster relief, has its own dedicated budget, which cannot be used for other purposes. However, Congress tasked FEMA in 2022 with managing funds from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) meant to assist communities dealing with surges of migrants.
Fact-Checking the Claims
FEMA responded to these claims on its fact-checking page, clarifying that no disaster relief money had been diverted to non-disaster-related purposes. The agency stated: “No money is being diverted from disaster response needs… FEMA’s disaster response efforts and individual assistance is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts.”
The Origin of the Confusion
The false claims seem to stem from FEMA’s administration of the Shelter and Services Program (SSP). Congress allocated $800 million to help cities and counties manage the influx of migrants. FEMA acted as the distributor of these funds, which were given to cities like Denver and Philadelphia, as well as organizations like Catholic Charities. The program is completely separate from FEMA’s disaster relief efforts, which have over $20 billion in available funds.
Despite FEMA’s clarification, the misinformation continues to spread, with some politicians and conservative commentators, including Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, further amplifying the falsehoods. “FEMA had used disaster funds to house migrants, and the government has ‘abandoned’ hard-hit areas,” Jordan falsely claimed in a post on X (formerly Twitter), a statement that has since been echoed by other prominent Trump supporters.
The Reality of FEMA’s Resources
While FEMA’s disaster fund is still able to provide immediate relief, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged the agency would need additional funding for the remainder of the hurricane season. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Mayorkas explained, “This is a multibillion-dollar, multiyear recovery, and we don’t have a stable source of supply.”
With the anticipation of another hurricane making landfall this season, Mayorkas expressed concern that FEMA’s resources may not be enough to meet future demands. “We do not have the funds to make it through the season and what is imminent,” he said.
Ongoing Support for Helene Recovery
Despite the false claims, FEMA continues its efforts to aid those affected by Hurricane Helene. The agency reported that over 245,000 people have applied for financial assistance, and more than $45 million has been allocated to affected communities. FEMA reassured the public that undocumented migrants are not eligible for cash assistance under its disaster programs.
As the misinformation persists, FEMA and the Biden administration are working to correct the narrative. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that the administration is committed to helping those impacted by Helene, saying, “FEMA has the necessary resources to meet the immediate needs associated with Hurricane Helene and other disasters.”
In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, FEMA and other federal agencies remain focused on delivering factual information and addressing the real needs of Americans affected by natural disasters.
