Donald Trump Criticizes Federal Response to Hurricane Helene, Promotes Immigration Conspiracy Theories
During a visit to hurricane-ravaged North Carolina on Monday, Donald Trump reiterated his unfounded claims about the federal government’s recovery efforts, accusing the Biden administration of diverting resources from disaster relief to immigration. His remarks come three weeks after Hurricane Helene struck the state, causing widespread devastation.
Trump Attacks Federal Response
At a press conference in Asheville, Trump criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claiming the Biden administration had “gutted” the agency, leading to a slow and inadequate response in the aftermath of the hurricane. “The power of nature, nothing you can do about it. But you got to get a little bit better crew in to do a better job than has been done by the White House because it’s not good, not good,” he stated.
The hurricane, which hit the eastern U.S. on September 27, resulted in the deaths of 95 people in North Carolina and caused widespread damage. As of Sunday, nearly 5,000 roads remained closed, and over 8,000 people had applied for assistance through FEMA.
Conspiracy Theories on Immigration
In his remarks, Trump promoted a baseless conspiracy theory, suggesting that the Biden administration prioritized spending on “illegal migrants” over disaster recovery to influence the 2024 election. “They were not supposed to be spending the money on taking in illegal migrants, maybe so they could vote in the election,” Trump claimed without evidence.
He continued to demonize immigrants, alleging that the government was bringing in “murderers, drug dealers, and terrorists.” This rhetoric, which has been consistently debunked, echoes Trump’s past campaign strategies, where he has consistently linked immigration to crime, despite evidence to the contrary. Critics argue that this misinformation harms public perception and stokes unnecessary fear.
Criticism From Officials
Trump’s comments have sparked backlash from federal and local officials, who have warned that such conspiracy theories can incite violence against emergency workers and undermine the disaster recovery process. FEMA, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for both disaster recovery and overseeing key immigration agencies such as Customs and Border Protection.
Political Context
Immigration has been a significant talking point for both parties in the 2024 election. Trump, who built much of his 2016 campaign on anti-immigration rhetoric, continues to make this issue a central part of his platform. Meanwhile, Democrats have shifted towards stricter immigration policies, with the Biden administration implementing significant changes to asylum processes earlier this year.
A Return to Familiar Tactics
In recent weeks, the Trump campaign has circulated numerous false rumors about immigrants, including accusations that Haitian migrants were eating pets in Ohio and claims that a Venezuelan gang had taken over a Colorado apartment complex. Despite being debunked, these claims have inflamed partisan tensions.
Trump concluded his remarks by promising to cut bureaucratic barriers and introduce tax incentives if re-elected. He argued that these measures would help North Carolina rebuild faster by reducing red tape and encouraging investment. However, critics have pointed out that such policies could disproportionately benefit the wealthy and large corporations, potentially slowing down the recovery for those most in need.
The impact of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold, with recovery efforts ongoing. As misinformation spreads, many remain focused on restoring the devastated communities, showcasing the resilience and determination of those affected.