WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 24: U.S. President Joe Biden concludes his address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. The president addressed reasons for abruptly ending his run for a second term after initially rejecting calls from some top Democrats to do so, and outlined what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining months in office. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)
President Joe Biden voiced his disapproval of former President Donald Trump’s spreading of misinformation about the federal government’s hurricane response, telling him bluntly to “get a life.”
The misinformation has led to responders aiding victims facing threats. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also expressed concern about people helping in recovery efforts who are facing backlash online.
Some of the false claims that the White House is pushing against concern how much money the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) is giving to people. Right-wing influencers have falsely claimed that migrants are receiving money instead of victims and that people’s property will be seized by FEMA.
Southeast states have been experiencing storms back-to-back. Hurricane Helene caused around 230 deaths and displaced hundreds of people. Hurricane Milton was responsible for ten deaths and left millions without power in Florida.
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Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida), whose district was hit by the storms, has also been spreading misinformation that funds for hurricane victims is being spent on migrants.
Biden called local officials and lawmakers in areas affected by the hurricanes, including Luna. Luna then posted false claims about the FEMA disaster funds. “Just got off the phone with Biden. He is personally overseeing that FEMA does not create problems with the debris removal and is supportive of the 15 billion in FEMA funds ONLY FOR Hurricane victims,” she wrote.
Luna minimized the $750 for hurricane victims, which FEMA offers victims as an upfront payment before additional aid is disbursed.
White House deputy communications director Herbie Ziskend responded to Luna’s tweet. “It’s unacceptable to sow misinformation and deceive hurricane victims into believing only $750 is available,” Ziskend wrote. “The $750 is *immediately* available to eligible survivors. In addition, survivors may qualify for more FEMA financial assistance, including to repair storm-related damage to home and property and find a temporary place to stay.”
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