### White House and FEMA Refute Claims of Drained Disaster Funds Due to Migrant Aid

The Biden administration has vehemently denied former President Donald Trump's allegations that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has depleted its funds on migrant aid at the expense of disaster recovery. Trump had previously asserted that FEMA's resources were exhausted, impacting victims of Hurricane Helene.

Former President Trump, along with some Republican supporters, contended that the financial strain was due to a billion dollars being diverted to assist illegal migrants. Texas Representative Troy Nehls echoed this sentiment, criticizing the administration's financial priorities.

Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates addressed these claims directly, labeling them as "FALSE" in a memo circulated to the media. Bates clarified that funds allocated for migrant services are entirely separate from FEMA's disaster relief budget and that the migration-related aid is managed through Customs and Border Patrol.

In a bid to counter misinformation, FEMA's Jaclyn Rothenberg reassured the public that there are sufficient funds available for disaster recovery. She emphasized the agency's commitment to assisting those affected by Hurricane Helene and urged individuals in need to apply for aid.

FEMA has also established a dedicated webpage to debunk false information circulating on social media. Rothenberg took the opportunity to clarify several rumors, such as the misconception that FEMA is soliciting donations from disaster survivors, which she firmly denied. The agency also refuted claims that victims were only eligible for a $750 relief payment, explaining that this amount serves as immediate assistance, with additional support available through further application processing.

Willie Nunn, overseeing the hurricane response efforts in South Carolina, highlighted the detrimental impact of misinformation on affected communities. He and his team have been actively coordinating relief since October 1, ensuring accurate information reaches those in need.

"All misinformation has a negative impact," Nunn stated, urging people to contact FEMA directly for verified information. Both Nunn and Rothenberg stressed the importance of accurate communication in ensuring effective disaster response and recovery.