FEMA accused of playing the victim after insisting criticism of Helene handling is 'dangerous:' 'The audacity'
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FEMA Chief Rebuts Trump's Claims of Migrant Fund Diversion
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Above: A Park Ranger directs traffic as Pinellas County residents arrive to fill sandbags at John Chestnut Park in Palm Harbor, Florida on Oct. 6, 2024. Image copyright: Bryan R. Smith/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell has refuted claims that the organization is short on disaster relief funds due to money being spent on undocumented immigrants.
This comes after former Pres. Donald Trump claimed at a rally in Michigan that FEMA was out of money because it had been sending "billions of dollars to foreign countries that most people have never heard of."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
FEMA is enduring unjust criticism and dangerous rhetoric that has only emerged because of Trump putting politics ahead of helping people. The claims about funds being diverted to migrants are ridiculous and untrue. This misinformation only works to sow fear amongst FEMA employees and demoralize first responders who are working tirelessly to help those in need.
Establishment-critical narrative
The Biden-Harris administration has fallen short in disaster response efforts. FEMA's refusal to enter certain areas due to road closure signs and the shutdown of private rescue efforts demonstrate the organization's incompetence. The administration has prioritized photo ops over effective disaster relief, while the media is providing muted coverage compared to the scrutiny any GOP administration would face.
