Trump Denies California Disaster Relief Due to State's Political Color

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When he was president, Trump refused to approve disaster aid for the people of California until it was proven to him that Republicans in the state were impacted by wildfires.

E&E News by Politico reported:

A review of Trump’s record by POLITICO’s E&E News and interviews with two former Trump White House officials show that the former president was flagrantly partisan at times in response to disasters and on at least three occasions hesitated to give disaster aid to areas he considered politically hostile or ordered special treatment for pro-Trump states.

Mark Harvey, who was Trump’s senior director for resilience policy on the National Security Council staff, told E&E News on Wednesday that Trump initially refused to approve disaster aid for California after deadly wildfires in 2018 because of the state’s Democratic leanings.

But Harvey said Trump changed his mind after Harvey pulled voting results to show him that heavily damaged Orange County, California, had more Trump supporters than the entire state of Iowa, Harvey said.

Trump also withheld aid from Puerto Rico after the US territory was hit by a deadly storm. Trump has been trying to use the Biden response to Hurricane Helene, which has drawn bipartisan praise as an issue to divide and anger voters in North Carolina and Georgia.

One of the most basic duties of the presidency is to protect and assist all Americans no matter who they voted for.

By trying to attack Biden and Harris over Helene, Trump has revealed more about himself and his lack of fitness for office than about VP Kamala Harris.

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Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association

Conclusion

In conclusion, the actions of former President Trump in withholding disaster aid from California based on political considerations highlight a troubling trend of partisanship and division in his approach to governance. By prioritizing political allegiance over the welfare of all Americans, Trump’s actions raise serious questions about his suitability for office. The duty of the president is to protect and assist all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.

Additionally, Trump’s manipulation of disaster aid for Puerto Rico and attempts to use natural disasters for political gain further demonstrate his lack of empathy and integrity in leadership. By contrasting his behavior with the bipartisan response to Hurricane Helene under President Biden, it becomes clear that Trump’s actions were motivated by personal and political agendas rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of all Americans.

It is essential for leaders to prioritize the needs of their constituents above political considerations, and Trump’s actions serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of prioritizing partisanship over national unity. Moving forward, it is imperative that we hold our leaders accountable for their decisions and ensure that disaster aid is distributed based on need rather than political favoritism.

Ultimately, the true test of leadership lies in the ability to unite and protect all Americans, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. By upholding this principle, we can strive towards a more inclusive and compassionate society where the well-being of all citizens is the top priority.

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