Trump defends threats against FEMA workers amid militia activity
- FEMA paused recovery efforts in North Carolina due to threats against its workers amid the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
- Former President Trump defended those threatening FEMA, claiming they were 'honest people' reacting to perceived inefficiencies.
- The agency's decision to reassess security came after escalating threats and misleading claims about FEMA's resource allocation.
In North Carolina, the former president faced criticism for his comments regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after they paused recovery efforts due to threats against their workers. While surveying the damages from Hurricane Helene, he stated that individuals questioning FEMA's efficiency are 'honest people' entitled to voice their opinions. This controversy arose following a North Carolina man's arrest for allegedly threatening FEMA workers with an assault rifle. The security stand down by FEMA was linked to false claims made by Trump and other Republican figures that the agency was mismanaging aid and finances, particularly in regard to support for illegal immigrants. As threats escalated amid these tensions, the agency found it necessary to reassess its safety protocols for employees on the ground. Trump's remarks fueled an already charged atmosphere, providing a platform for ongoing debates about federal emergency responses amidst natural disasters in the U.S.