Top NC newspapers blast Trump’s federal hurricane response lies

06 October 2024

Two of North Carolina's largest newspapers — The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer — collaborated on an op-ed published Sunday, publicly condemning Donald Trump's response to Hurricane Helene, which has left over 200 people dead, and an "untold number of people missing," according to The New York Times.

After the former president falsely claimed, twice earlier this week, that President Joe Biden's administration spent disaster funding on migrants, The Washington Post reported, "The White House warned Friday that the falsehoods could keep hurricane victims from seeking the assistance they critically need, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency launched an anti-rumor tool that counters Trump’s claims."

According to Newsweek, now the Tar Heel State's top newspapers are smacking down the former president's comments.

"There's no evidence to support any of those ridiculous claims," the joint editorial board wrote.

"And by every indication, state and federal agencies have been working to help people in need...the people of North Carolina have not been left out to dry. Their government has not abandoned them."

The editors emphasized, "Trump's claims are as hypocritical as they are harmful. Let's be clear: Western North Carolina is not a political football. This is not a campaign opportunity. The most unhelpful thing any politician—or anyone else—can do right now is spread misinformation and tell people that their government isn't doing anything to help them. Sowing the seeds of political division is always an unnecessary and tiresome endeavor. But doing so in times of great need, when unity is paramount, is particularly shameful."

The joint editorial is available at this link (subscription required). Newsweek's full report is here.

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