A Trail of Abandoned Americans
Western North Carolina (Hurricane Helene) In September 2024, Hurricane Helene decimated Western North Carolina, killing over 100 people and causing an estimated $50 billion in damages. The state’s request for $25.6 billion to aid the 260,000 survivors remains unmet. The insult to injury? The Biden administration offered victims a measly
$700 one-time stipend—a sum they had to jump through bureaucratic hoops to claim. Contrast this with the immediate, pre-loaded resources provided to migrants the moment they crossed the southern border.
Maui, Hawaii (Wildfires) In August 2023, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century claimed 102 lives and displaced 12,000 residents in Maui. Today, Maui County still faces a $7.7 billion
unmet need. While billions flowed to migrant processing centers, Hawaiian families were left sifting through the ashes with minimal federal backing.
East Palestine, Ohio (Train Derailment) Perhaps the most egregious example of neglect occurred in East Palestine. Following the toxic derailment in February 2023, 5,000 residents were exposed to hazardous chemicals. Despite the health risks and economic collapse, the Biden administration refused to grant a major disaster declaration that would have unlocked significant FEMA aid.
“FEMA Was Created for Americans”
The backlash has been swift and furious. Republican leaders, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have demanded an immediate halt to the redirecting of FEMA resources to border processing.
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