Lara Trump Criticizes FEMA’s Response to Hurricane Helene, Clashes with CNN Over Misinformation Claims

Republican National Committee (RNC) co-chair Lara Trump criticised the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) response to Hurricane Helene during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.

Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris takes part in a briefing on damage to North Carolina from Hurricane Helene at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters in Washington, U.S., September 30, 2024. REUTERS

She argued that the Harris-Biden administration had not effectively managed recovery funds, particularly in her home state of North Carolina.

“I hear every day from people on the ground, and they are desperate for help,” Lara Trump said, expressing concern that the extent of the damage caused by the hurricane might not yet be fully understood. She blamed FEMA for allocating over $1.4 billion to address the migrant crisis since 2022, money she argued could have been redirected to help hurricane victims.

CNN host Dana Bash countered that FEMA had used separate funds for migrant relief. Still, Lara Trump stood by her claim, citing the use of taxpayer dollars to house migrants in luxury hotels while disaster victims were still suffering. She also took issue with the $750 FEMA payment to hurricane survivors, suggesting it was insufficient given the magnitude of the devastation.

Hurricane Helene, which struck parts of Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, leftover 225 people dead and entire towns destroyed. Despite initial FEMA assistance, Lara Trump criticised the lack of preparedness and ongoing aid efforts.

The interview also touched on Donald Trump’s refusal to acknowledge his 2020 election loss. Lara Trump maintained that if the upcoming election is “free, fair, and transparent,” Donald Trump would accept the results.

She emphasised that election integrity remains a top priority at the RNC, despite concerns from some within the GOP that this focus might detract from voter turnout.

The interview followed Lara Trump’s appearance alongside her father-in-law at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which she described as an emotional and unifying moment after a previous assassination attempt on Donald Trump earlier in the year.