FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell called false claims about the agency's hurricane relief funding “dangerous,” urging people to reject misinformation.
Mia McCarthy reports for POLITICO.
In short:
- Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance falsely claim FEMA funds are depleted due to aid for undocumented immigrants, which Criswell dismissed as “ridiculous.”
- Criswell warned that this misinformation discourages people from seeking help and undermines FEMA’s ability to provide timely aid.
- Local officials and FEMA have confirmed that resources are fully available for hurricane relief, with more funding expected soon.
Key quote:
"It’s frankly ridiculous, and just plain false. This kind of rhetoric is not helpful to people.”
— Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator
Why this matters:
Spreading misinformation about disaster relief efforts can lead to confusion, distrust and fewer people receiving the help they need during emergencies. FEMA's response capabilities must remain effective, especially as more storms are anticipated.
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