Hurricane Hovde Circulates False Claims, Debunked by FEMA

Eric Hovde

Statement: "FEMA is out of money and doesn't have money to transfer to those people affected by the hurricane ... they used the money to assist illegal immigrants."

Eric Hovde, Wisconsin’s GOP Senate candidate, has been spreading what the feds call “fake news” about Hurricane Helene.

"FEMA is out of money and doesn't have money to transfer to those people affected by the hurricane,” Hovde declared in a video on X (formerly Twitter). “They used the money to assist illegal immigrants.”

Quarter of a million views later, Hovde doubled down at Trump’s Wisconsin rally, claiming Kamala Harris and his Democrat rival Tammy Baldwin aren’t caring for veterans or hurricane victims. Trump himself declared the feds are doing “nothing.” FEMA chief says these claims are “ridiculous and just plain false.”

FEMA even launched a webpage to debunk the rumors:

FEMA says it has enough money for immediate needs, could run out by end of hurricane season

Hovde’s video starts with the claim that FEMA is “out of money.” FEMA’s rumor response website refutes this, stating they have funds for “immediate response and recovery needs.”

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed FEMA can currently meet its obligations but may run out of funds by the hurricane season’s end. As of Monday, FEMA has spent over $210 million on Hurricane Helene survivors and is prepping for Hurricane Milton.

Money is not being diverted for international or border-related issues

Hovde also claimed FEMA’s funds were used to “assist illegal immigrants.” FEMA clarifies that no money is diverted for international or border issues; disaster efforts are funded through a dedicated Disaster Relief Fund.

FEMA manages the Shelter and Services Program, aiding noncitizen migrants post-release, but this program’s $650 million is separate from disaster relief funds.

Hovde’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

FEMA asks people to use and share official sources of information

Ending his video with a call to “share this with people you know,” Hovde ironically asks folks to spread misinformation. FEMA’s rumor webpage encourages people to stop rumors by using and sharing verified information.

FEMA assistance can be accessed via their helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visiting www.fema.gov/assistance, or downloading their app. Details on disaster assistance here and Hurricane Milton updates here.

Our ruling

Hovde’s claims that FEMA is “out of money” and used funds for illegal immigrants are rated False by the agency. They state funds are available for current needs but may deplete later. Disaster relief money is not diverted to migrants.

Sources

• Eric Hovde, X, Oct. 3, 2024.
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Recap: Donald Trump speaks for nearly two hours at rally in Juneau, Wisconsin, Oct. 6, 2024.
• USA TODAY, 'Ridiculous and just plain false': FEMA administrator knocks Trump's Hurricane Helene recovery claims, Oct. 6, 2024.
• USA TODAY, Have you heard these rumors? FEMA wants to set the record straight., Oct. 5, 2024.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response, Sept. 6, 2024.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA Launches Web Page to Respond to Rumors and Confirm the Facts Related to Hurricane Helene Response and Recovery, Oct. 4, 2024.
• USA TODAY, Is FEMA running out of money for hurricane season? Here's what you need to know, Oct. 4, 2024.
• USA TODAY, Hurricane Milton tracker: Follow projected path of Category 4 storm expected to hit Florida, Oct. 7, 2024.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency, As Federal Assistance for Hurricane Helene Exceeds $210 Million, FEMA Prepares for Dual Response with Hurricane Milton Strengthening as it Moves Toward Gulf Coast of Florida, Oct. 7, 2024.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency, Shelter and Services Program.