Fact Check: "Trump administration denied disaster funding requests after deadly storms and wildfires."
What We Know
The claim that the Trump administration denied disaster funding requests after deadly storms and wildfires is supported by various reports indicating that while some disaster declarations were approved, others were not, and significant cuts were made to disaster preparedness funding. For instance, the Trump administration canceled billions of dollars in disaster preparedness grants, including the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which had promised funding to rural communities for infrastructure improvements to mitigate disaster risks (NPR).
Additionally, there were instances where the administration initially rejected requests for disaster aid, such as California's request for wildfire relief, which was later reversed after public outcry (New York Times). This indicates a mixed record regarding disaster funding approvals, where some requests were granted while others faced delays or denials.
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the claim reveals a complex situation. On one hand, the Trump administration did approve major disaster declarations, such as the one for all 77 counties in Oklahoma during the COVID-19 pandemic (Governor Stitt). This suggests that the administration was responsive to certain disaster requests. However, the broader context shows a trend of cutting funding for disaster preparedness programs, which could hinder future disaster response efforts (NPR).
The reliability of the sources varies. The NPR report is based on interviews and data from FEMA, making it a credible source of information regarding the administration's funding cuts. Conversely, the press release from the Department of the Interior emphasizes the administration's proactive measures in wildfire management, which, while factual, may present a biased view by focusing on successes without addressing funding denials (DOI).
Overall, while there were instances of disaster funding approvals, the cancellation of significant funding programs and the initial rejection of certain disaster requests paint a picture of inconsistency in the administration's approach to disaster funding.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim is Partially True. While the Trump administration did approve some disaster funding requests, it also denied others and made significant cuts to disaster preparedness funding programs. This inconsistency suggests that while some communities received aid, many others faced challenges due to funding cuts and delayed approvals.
