President Joe Biden slammed Donald Trump on Thursday for spreading misinformation about the federal government’s response to hurricanes.
During a press conference at the White House, Biden spoke about his administration’s efforts to provide assistance to victims of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
Efforts to provide assistance have been complicated by the spread of misinformation by Trump and his allies including that federal funding is being diverted to house illegal immigrants and that assistance for hurricane victims is capped at $750.
Asked if he planned to speak with Trump to urge him to stop, Biden said he wouldn’t.
“Mr. President Trump, former President Trump, get a life, man,” he added. “Help these people.”
FEMA has set up a response page to debunk several falsehoods about the agency’s response to Hurricane Helene, including the claim of money being diverted to help illegal immigrants.
“No money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA’s disaster response efforts and individual assistance is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts,” FEMA wrote in a fact check. “Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.”
The agency also fact-checked the claim that victims are only receiving $750 to support their recovery.
“This is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply, called Serious Needs Assistance,” the agency wrote.
“It is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies,” it continued. “There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify for to receive and Serious Needs Assistance is an initial payment you may receive while FEMA assesses your eligibility for additional funds.”
