Fact Check: Over $30 million in damages from a bomb cyclone were ignored by the Trump administration.

Fact Check: "Over $30 million in damages from a bomb cyclone were ignored by the Trump administration."

What We Know

In November 2024, a bomb cyclone struck Washington state, resulting in significant damage estimated at over $34 million across six counties. This event caused extensive harm to critical infrastructure, public buildings, and left many residents without power (Senator Murray's statement). Following the disaster, Washington state officials requested a Major Disaster Declaration from the Trump administration to access federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, this request was denied, prompting Senator Patty Murray and the state's bipartisan Congressional delegation to urge reconsideration of the decision (Senator Murray's statement).

The Trump administration's denial of disaster relief has been characterized as a politicization of disaster aid, with Murray emphasizing that such aid should not be influenced by political affiliations (Senator Murray's statement). The refusal to provide assistance has left local governments and communities to bear the financial burden of recovery from the storm.

Analysis

The claim that over $30 million in damages from the bomb cyclone were ignored by the Trump administration is supported by evidence of the administration's denial of federal disaster assistance. Senator Murray's statements highlight the significant financial impact of the storm and the subsequent failure of the federal government to respond adequately (Senator Murray's statement).

However, it is essential to note that while the damages were indeed substantial and the request for federal aid was denied, the term "ignored" may imply a lack of acknowledgment of the damages, which is not entirely accurate. The administration was aware of the request and the associated damages but ultimately chose not to grant the aid. This decision can be viewed as politically motivated, as suggested by Murray's comments about the politicization of disaster aid (Senator Murray's statement).

Furthermore, the context of disaster response under the Trump administration has been criticized broadly, with reports indicating a pattern of inadequate responses to various disasters during his presidency (Trump's Failures). This broader context supports the notion that the administration's handling of disaster relief was often contentious and politically charged.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True
The claim that over $30 million in damages from a bomb cyclone were ignored by the Trump administration is partially true. While the administration did deny federal disaster assistance for the significant damages caused by the storm, the use of the word "ignored" may misrepresent the situation. The administration was aware of the damages but chose not to provide aid, which aligns with the broader criticisms of its disaster response policies.

Fact Check: Over $30 million in damages from a bomb cyclone were ignored by the Trump administration.