President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are accused of misappropriating money intended for disaster relief in a Facebook post from October 2.
Kamala and Biden used the Federal Emergency Management Agency emergency funds to house and care for illegal immigrants. They are now unprepared for the current hurricane damage, the post’s text read.
Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, billionaire Elon Musk, and former president Donald Trump all echoed similar versions of the claim.
Is the claim false?
Both a White House representative and FEMA declared the claim to be untrue. It mixes up the organization’s fund for disaster relief with another program that provides assistance to the homeless.
It is illegal to use the funds Congress approved for the disaster relief fund for any other purpose than what is required.Also Read : Apple TV+ on Amazon Prime Video subscription fees: When will service be available for viewers?
Claim mixes homelessness program and disaster relief fund.
In late September, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Southeast United States, resulting in extensive flooding, estimated damage worth billions of dollars, and over 200 fatalities. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida, reaching sustained winds of 180 mph on October 7 as it neared the state’s Gulf Coast.
The announcement coincided with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ caution that FEMA lacks sufficient funding to last until the end of hurricane season, which ends on November 30.
The Biden administration has not used hurricane relief funds on immigrants, according to FEMA and a White House spokesperson. There is no credible evidence that such spending has taken place, which would be illegal. The post’s use of the phrase “FEMA emergency money and mention of current hurricane damage asserts a connection between disaster spending and funding used for immigrants.
Also Read: Travis Kelce says Taylor Swift has introduced him to new things; what are they? Here’s all you need to know
FEMA states that no money is being diverted from disaster response needs and that the disaster relief fund is separate from other grant programs administered by FEMA.
FAQs
Is FEMA allocating disaster relief funds for immigrants?
No, both FEMA and a White House spokesperson confirmed that disaster relief funds are not being used to assist immigrants. The funds are legally required to be used solely for disaster-related purposes.
What program benefits immigrants if not the disaster relief fund?
FEMA’s emergency food and shelter program, which is separate from the disaster relief fund, assists homeless people and migrants. These funds are not associated with disaster relief and cannot be used interchangeably.
Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.