The former president decries the impact of illegal immigration while raising concerns over the allocation of funds for Hurricane Helene relief

In a scathing critique of the Biden administration, former President Donald Trump lambasted the government’s response to Hurricane Helene, asserting that the funds meant for disaster relief have been misallocated. Speaking on Fox Business’s “Kudlow,” Trump expressed disbelief at the lack of financial support for victims of the recent hurricane, which he described as one of the worst in history. “We now have no money that was supposed to be used for tragedy, for hurricanes,” he said. “They were given billions for this, and he spent it on illegal migrants coming into the country.”

Trump’s remarks come amid rising concerns about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) struggling to secure sufficient funding for the hurricane season. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged this challenge, stating, “We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have,” but also emphasised the need for a stable source of funding as another storm approaches.

In response to Trump’s claims, DHS released a statement firmly denying that hurricane recovery funds had been diverted to assist illegal migrants. “These claims are completely false,” the department declared, asserting that FEMA possesses the necessary resources to manage immediate needs linked to Hurricane Helene and other disasters. They clarified that the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) is a distinct, Congress-authorised grant initiative, separate from FEMA’s disaster-related funds.

Trump, however, remained adamant, framing illegal immigration as a poison afflicting the nation. “Our country is being ruined by these people,” he insisted, claiming that billions of dollars have been squandered on settlements for individuals entering the country illegally, many of whom he labelled as criminals. He voiced outrage over the juxtaposition of migrants receiving accommodation in hotels while veterans struggle for basic shelter. “Our veterans are sleeping outside the main door to the hotel,” he lamented, highlighting the contrast between their plight and that of the migrants.

As Hurricane Helene continues to impact communities, the controversy over funding and immigration policy adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. With both sides firmly entrenched in their narratives, the debate is likely to intensify as the nation grapples with the twin crises of natural disasters and immigration.