Fact Check: Trump administration denied disaster mitigation funding requests from multiple states.

Fact Check: Trump Administration Denied Disaster Mitigation Funding Requests from Multiple States

What We Know

During the Trump administration, there were several instances where requests for disaster mitigation funding were denied. Hazard mitigation funds are part of the federal assistance that states can apply for following major disaster declarations. For example, reports indicate that the Trump administration denied funding requests from states like Arkansas, West Virginia, and Washington for various disasters, including tornadoes and flooding (E&E News and Floods.org). This marked a significant shift in federal disaster response policy, as it was the first time in at least 27 years that a president had denied a state's request for hazard-mitigation money while approving its disaster declaration request (E&E News).

Analysis

The claim that the Trump administration denied disaster mitigation funding requests is supported by multiple credible sources. The Rolling Stone reported that Trump delayed disaster aid for states, including a 97-day wait for Utah's aid request after severe storms. This delay and denial of funding requests have been criticized by state governors who argued that such funding is crucial for recovery and preparedness.

Moreover, the E&E News article highlights that this denial of funding was unprecedented and indicates a broader trend of the administration's approach to disaster relief. The sources used in this analysis are reliable, as they come from established news organizations that have a history of investigative reporting.

However, it is important to note that the administration's decisions were often framed within a context of budget constraints and policy priorities, which some supporters argue justified the denials. Nevertheless, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the claim that multiple states faced denied requests for disaster mitigation funding during Trump's presidency.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the Trump administration denied disaster mitigation funding requests from multiple states is accurate. Evidence from various credible sources confirms that significant funding requests were indeed denied, marking a notable departure from previous federal disaster response practices.

Fact Check: Trump administration denied disaster mitigation funding requests from multiple states.