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Harris, Trump campaign in Pennsylvania; Walz stumbles in Wisconsin

Harris, Trump campaign in Pennsylvania; Walz stumbles in Wisconsin

PHOENIX – NBC News asked six Trump supporters what they thought of FEMA's response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. All six were upset by FEMA's response and five of them were upset by Trump and his allies' repeated false claims about the agency.

“There are videos everywhere of people trying to help. Set up small camps and have everything ready for them to bring with them. And they (FEMA) come with helicopters. They come in and block people,” said Tyler Hammond, falsely claiming that FEMA is actively preventing hurricane relief.

His wife, Taylor Hammond, claimed she saw the same thing. “They are literally actively preventing American citizens from helping other American citizens, and that is just not OK,” she said.

When asked where they saw these videos, the couple responded on TikTok.

Taylor Hammond also falsely claimed that FEMA only provided $750 in relief funds to hurricane victims. Three other Trump supporters NBC News interviewed repeated his false claims that hurricane aid was being spent on immigrants.

“They gave all of our money to illegal criminals just so they could have votes for the future, and they are destroying this country,” said Patricia Kipp-Funaro, 55.

On a website set up to counter false rumors about hurricane aid, FEMA denied that it was confiscating donations or blocking volunteers. Although the agency does not accept donations or volunteers, FEMA “encourages people who want to help to volunteer with or donate money to reputable volunteer or charitable organizations.”

As for the $750 request, which Trump also reiterated, FEMA said that $750 is merely the starting payment “while FEMA evaluates your eligibility for additional funds.” While your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs, such as temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs.”

As NBC News reported, the claim that disaster relief is being redirected to undocumented immigrants is false and appears to be the result of merging two separate funds.

Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., also disputed claims that FEMA was cutting off aid, writing in a press release: “FEMA does NOT stop trucks or vehicles carrying donations, confiscate or confiscate supplies, or otherwise reject donations .”

“That is a complete lie. We are working around the clock with all partners to get help to the people,” North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said in a tweet, responding to Trump's claims on Friday that Democrats were blocking aid from getting into the country areas devastated by hurricanes.

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