(This story was updated to change a photo)
Column spreads disinformation about aid
Shame on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for not correcting the disinformation about FEMA implied in the horrific Oct. 23 guest column “ Why women should vote for Trump .”
In addition to the ridiculous notion that women voters should find the sexual predator named Donald Trump a credible presidential candidate, the guest columnist pushed a Trump-inspired falsehood that the victims of Hurricane Helene were offered “a measly $750” after “FEMA gave billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars away to noncitizens.”
Fact-check: The $750 provided to victims of Helene was merely the immediate, upfront aid survivors could receive to cover basic needs like food, water and emergency supplies.
Survivors are also eligible to apply for additional forms of assistance, such as to pay for temporary housing and home repairs, that can be worth thousands. In fact, the Biden-Harris administration has overseen more than $45 million provided to those directly affected by Hurricane Helene.