The joint editorial board of North Carolina's largest newspapers, *The Charlotte Observer* and *The News & Observer*, issued a strong rebuke of former President Donald Trump on Saturday regarding his false claims about the federal response to Hurricane Helene. Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, and several of his Republican allies have been circulating unsubstantiated claims about President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s handling of the disaster, which has left over 225 people dead and caused widespread destruction across the Southeast since it struck late last month.
Trump falsely claimed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was diverting disaster relief funds to assist undocumented migrants. During a rally in Michigan on Thursday, he alleged that Harris, who does not oversee FEMA or any federal agency, had misappropriated "billions of dollars" of FEMA funds for housing migrants. In reality, while some FEMA funds have been used to support migrants, those resources are part of a completely separate program, not connected to FEMA’s disaster relief fund, which remains fully funded to address current crises.
Trump also inaccurately stated that Georgia's Republican Governor Brian Kemp could not reach Biden for disaster assistance. However, Kemp directly contradicted Trump’s remarks, explaining that he had spoken with Biden just the week before, when the president pledged federal aid and gave Kemp direct access for additional support.
In an op-ed titled "Shame on Donald Trump for worsening NC's Helene tragedy with political lies," the editorial boards criticized Trump’s attempts to politicize the tragedy. The boards condemned Trump for using the disaster to advance his political agenda instead of uniting the community during a time of crisis.
"This is not an opportunity for political gain. Yet former President Donald Trump has chosen to exploit the tragedy at every turn, spreading falsehoods that divide rather than bring people together," the editorial stated. The board pointed to Trump’s recent Truth Social post in which he accused the federal government and Democratic officials of intentionally withholding aid from Republican-leaning areas affected by Helene. However, Republican governors in the impacted regions have praised the federal government’s quick response, with no evidence to support Trump's claims.
The editorial emphasized that Trump’s misinformation is harmful and counterproductive during a time when unity is crucial. "Sowing political division in moments of great need is particularly shameful. Western North Carolina is not a campaign stage, and spreading baseless claims that the government isn’t helping is the most unhelpful thing any leader can do right now," the board wrote.
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm with winds of 140 mph, made landfall near Perry, Florida, before bringing widespread flooding and destruction to Asheville, North Carolina. The death toll has reached at least 225 people across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas, with search efforts continuing for the many still missing.
As the disaster unfolds, the political landscape remains tense, especially in North Carolina, a key battleground state. Vice President Harris and Trump are neck and neck in the race, with Trump holding a narrow 0.8-point lead according to FiveThirtyEight’s polling average, a crucial indicator as the 2024 election approaches.
op-ed.. nuf said hater
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