On Thursday, Donald Trump Jr. took to his Rumble account to criticize the Biden administration’s hurricane relief efforts, repeating misinformation about Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid that has been debunked. Despite millions of storm victims seeking assistance, Trump Jr.’s claims align with a narrative pushed by some GOP members.
In his video, Trump Jr. expressed skepticism over FEMA’s relief efforts, saying, “So again, that’s just something that everyone has to know. It’s so easy to take that sort of, hey, a couple of bucks, right? You know, here’s 750 bucks from FEMA. Yeah, you know, your house was totaled, but you didn’t know it. Think about that very carefully before you do anything.”
He went further, alleging an imbalance in aid distribution, stating, “So just trying to spread that message… Yeah, a $750 loan. Don’t worry, guys, the illegals will get $13,000. They’ll give you $750 only to find out that your $250,000 home is totally totaled. You don’t even know it.” Trump Jr. concluded his message by advising people not to take FEMA’s supposed loan offer for $250,000.
FEMA, however, was quick to refute these claims, emphasizing that Trump Jr.’s comments were misleading. The agency clarified that, in most cases, FEMA grants do not need to be repaid. While there are rare exceptions, such as when FEMA provides advance funds for temporary housing while insurance benefits are pending, these instances are not the norm.
The agency also addressed the misinformation about the $750 payment, explaining that it is merely “an upfront, flexible payment” given while FEMA assesses an applicant’s eligibility for additional aid. This payment is intended to provide immediate relief, but applicants may qualify for more extensive support, including funds for temporary housing, home repairs, and personal property recovery, once their applications are reviewed.
FEMA’s clarification underscores its commitment to supporting disaster survivors and dispels myths circulating about the aid process. The agency’s response aims to ensure that those affected by the hurricanes are not deterred from seeking assistance based on misinformation.
Despite FEMA’s efforts to set the record straight, the spread of false information remains a challenge, particularly when high-profile figures like Trump Jr. amplify these claims. For disaster survivors, understanding the facts about available aid is critical, and FEMA continues to encourage those in need to apply for support and follow official updates.