During a Thursday rally in Saginaw, Michigan, former President Donald Trump expressed frustration over the Federal Emergency Management Agency's lack of funds, attributing the shortfall to spending on illegal migrants instead of critical domestic needs like disaster relief.
The rally, broadcast live on Newsmax, featured Trump criticizing the Biden administration's handling of Hurricane Helene's destruction.
"Can you imagine another four years like we've lived the last four?" Trump asked the crowd.
He pointed to recent natural disasters, saying the federal government cannot provide adequate aid.
"People are dying in North Carolina," he said. "They're dying all over those five or six states. They're dying, and they're getting no help from our federal government because they have no money.
"Their money's been spent on people that should not be in our country."
He added, "If lyin' Kamala [Harris] gets four more years, instead of a golden age, America will instead be plunged into a dark age. Your family finances will be permanently destroyed. Your borders will be gone forever."
Trump continued his critique of immigration policies, claiming that the nation's borders are effectively nonexistent.
"When you think of it, right, we don't have any borders," he told the audience. "You're a border state now. You know they're welcome. Congratulations. Tens of millions more illegal aliens will invade our cities and towns.
"Medicare and Social Security will buckle and collapse from the weight of all of these people becoming proud members of our Social Security system. Isn't that nice?" he asked.
Trump's comments come amid growing concerns about the federal government's ability to meet the needs of communities affected by Hurricane Helene, which has killed more than 160 people.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged on Wednesday that FEMA does not have enough money to support the hurricane victims, according to Newsweek.
At least $640 million of FEMA's funding is currently being spent on addressing the needs of communities facing an influx of migrants.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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