‘Frankly ridiculous’: FEMA administrator slams Trump for boosting false Helene recovery claims

Deanne Criswell, the administrator of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, criticized former President Donald Trump for spreading false information about disaster relief funding for Hurricane Helene recovery. Criswell called Trump’s claims ridiculous and harmful, emphasizing that the funds were not diverted to other purposes. FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the White House have fact-checked and condemned the false claims. Despite the disinformation, FEMA received a $20 billion cash infusion to aid in the rebuilding efforts. Criswell expressed disappointment in the politicization of the hurricane recovery and emphasized the demoralizing impact on first responders. Congress may need to pass a supplemental disaster relief package to further support FEMA’s efforts.