The Biden-Harris administration’s response to Hurricane Helene has drawn significant criticism, particularly over its handling of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources and priorities.
Concerns have been raised over FEMA’s readiness and allocation of funds, as well as the administration’s focus on issues such as “equity” during a critical time for hurricane preparedness.
At a press briefing on Friday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked to address accusations made by former President Donald Trump regarding FEMA funds being used to support undocumented migrants rather than for disaster relief.
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A reporter asked, “Former President Trump is accusing the Biden administration of using FEMA funding to support undocumented migrants. How is the White House responding to that?”
Jean-Pierre quickly denied the claim, calling it a “false statement” and cited a fact-check from The Washington Post to back her response.
Karine Jean-Pierre says it is “categorically false” that FEMA used taxpayer dollars to resettle illegal aliens.
That’s interesting because you can literally read about it on FEMA’s website right here: https://t.co/QDx2QEkfvJ pic.twitter.com/1L2r88PCDB
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 4, 2024
However, this has not quelled concerns about FEMA’s focus and its ability to manage both disaster relief and other priorities.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas recently acknowledged that FEMA is facing financial strain during hurricane season.
He revealed that the agency is running low on funds, raising questions about its capacity to respond effectively to natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, which has already caused significant damage in several states.
Despite these funding issues, it has been noted that FEMA has provided assistance to undocumented migrants, sparking further debate.
Jean-Pierre’s attempt to dispel these concerns on Friday contrasts sharply with statements she made a little over two years ago, during the fall of 2022.
KJP busted lying about FEMA money for migrants. pic.twitter.com/kSLkp5OBn3
— APOCTOZ (@Apoctoz) October 5, 2024
At that time, Governors Greg Abbott (R-TX) and Ron DeSantis (R-FL) had begun bussing undocumented migrants to sanctuary cities in response to the influx of illegal immigration under the Biden-Harris administration.
In press briefings held on September 15 and 16, 2022, Jean-Pierre criticized Republican leaders, accusing them of “creating chaos and confusion.”
KJP accuses Republican governors of “creating chaos…and confusion” by sending illegal immigrants to Kamala’s doorstep or Martha’s Vineyard.
That sounds a lot more like what the Biden administration has done to the border. pic.twitter.com/KGFo7eozRS
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) September 15, 2022
During these briefings, Jean-Pierre also addressed FEMA’s role in providing assistance to migrants. She noted that FEMA Regional Administrators had been coordinating with city officials to provide federal support, including through FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
This program offers funding to eligible local governments and not-for-profit organizations to support humanitarian relief for migrants. Jean-Pierre reaffirmed that this funding was available “upon request” for cities dealing with an influx of migrants.
Her statements from those press briefings have resurfaced in light of current criticisms of the administration’s disaster response.
Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) and other conservatives have pointed out the apparent disparity between FEMA’s involvement in assisting undocumented migrants and its struggles with funding for hurricane relief efforts.
Has anyone in the legacy media brought this up? https://t.co/1zMHInaZze
— Derrick Van Orden (@derrickvanorden) October 5, 2024
The timing of this controversy is particularly significant as another potential disaster looms.
Tropical Storm Milton is currently tracking toward Florida and is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane in the coming days. Florida, which is still recovering from previous storms, could be in for another round of devastation, raising further concerns about FEMA’s preparedness.
Adding to the criticism, Secretary Mayorkas had previously claimed, just three months ago, that FEMA was “tremendously prepared” for hurricane season.
Mayorkas 3 months ago: FEMA is “tremendously prepared” for hurricane season
Mayorkas today: FEMA is out of money and can’t make it through hurricane season. “We do not have the funds”
Look at this. 3 months apart: pic.twitter.com/aX3o0NGihb
— Gregg Re (@gregg_re) October 4, 2024
However, with FEMA now facing financial difficulties and growing scrutiny, those assurances have been called into question.
While the administration deals with domestic disaster response, some have criticized its focus on foreign issues. For instance, the Biden-Harris administration has been accused of sympathizing with Lebanon and other foreign nations, potentially prioritizing international matters over domestic concerns.
Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have both faced backlash for comments made regarding U.S. foreign policy while the southeastern United States braces for another hurricane.
As Hurricane Helene and other storms continue to threaten American communities, the effectiveness of the administration’s disaster response, along with FEMA’s priorities and funding, will likely remain a key issue of debate.
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