Government Against the People: FEMA Hinders Helene Relief

October 06, 2024 Government Against the People: FEMA Hinders Helene Relief  image

Key Takeaways

  • Americans are furious with the federal government’s lack of response to Hurricane Helene victims.
  • Many on-the-ground accounts report that FEMA agents are actively working to thwart civilian efforts to save lives and provide supplies.
  • 70% of Americans believe the federal response has been laughable and that damage from the hurricane is underreported by officials and the media.

Our Methodology

Demographics

All Voters

Sample Size

11,000

Geographical Breakdown

National

Time Period

2 Days

MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article. 

Hurricane Helene fallout is still ongoing as recovery and rescue efforts have not stopped a week later. The American public is becoming more explicitly angry with the federal government's response including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Alejandro Mayorkas, and FEMA.

The ongoing recovery efforts reveal a troubling narrative about priorities and leadership that may carry significant implications for Americans across the country. Locals on the ground and civilian rescue and aid teams are sharing widespread reports that federal rescue efforts are absent, and FEMA agents are blocking or confiscating civilian efforts.

In spite of multiple accounts of government hinderance from many on-the-ground sources including influential figures like Elon Musk and Glenn Beck, FEMA and Red Cross are warning citizens about “misinformation” on social media, drawing even more backlash.

Recovery Efforts are Civilian

Local communities are working tirelessly to begin the long road of recovery from Helene’s destruction. On-the-ground reporting indicates many residents are still stranded due to roads being completely washed away. Many still lack necessities like food, water, clothes, and sanitation. First responders, local agencies, and volunteers are laboring around the clock to restore order and deliver aid, using helicopters, mules, goats, ATVs, boats, and going on foot.

Many are speaking up about the horrific failure of federal response, which they describe as nearly nonexistent. There are also reports that FEMA whistleblowers are sounding the alarm on stand-down orders and lack of deployment.

Civilian rescue operations being shut down also anger many Americans who watch in horror as friends and neighbors face the most devastating loss of their lives. A viral report of a civilian helicopter pilot being threatened with arrest if he continued to rescue people from inaccessible areas is drawing criticism.

Voter Reactions to Government Failures

MIG Reports data shows:

  • 70% of Americans believe the federal response has been laughable and that damage from the hurricane is underreported by officials and the media.
  • 62% are outraged about FEMA funds being given to illegal immigrants instead of American hurricane victims.
  • 52% criticize Biden and Harris’s leadership during the hurricane as offensive and lacking urgency.
  • 55% say lawmakers should be held accountable for voting against supplemental disaster aid for FEMA and more foreign aid.
  • 65% believe the government prioritizes illegal immigrants over Americans.

The backlash against the Biden-Harris administration is palpable, especially concerning FEMA and Alejandro Mayorkas. Many express feelings of anger, betrayal, and disillusionment. Any positivity in these discussions is directed toward local and civilian efforts to help friends and neighbors.

Disillusionment, Anger, and Betrayal

Americans feel betrayed by a government they believe is actively working to thwart recovery. Reports that the federal government has spent more than $1 billion on shelter for illegal immigrants is causing American fury. The insult is compounded by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden announcing Hurricane Helene victims could receive up to $750 in aid.

The anger is bolstered by a series of public comments and events from government officials which feel like a slap in the face to Americans. The feelings of betrayal and anger are widespread, fostering a growing rift between the public and their leaders.

On October 3, in the midst of ongoing recovery efforts, Kamala Harris posted photos of a campaign event with Liz Cheney with the tag line “Country Over Party.” Many voters sarcastically replied that the event was celebrating the country being over.

Voter reactions reveal a pervasive belief that American citizens are being overlooked in favor of illegal immigrants. The cries of frustration about government spending priorities resonate deeply across the country. Many also highlight a broader concern about the incompetence, negligence, and event hostility of the federal government.

Implications for the 2024 Election

The anger and frustration about Hurricane Helene may galvanize voters who feel ignored and persecuted by the government. However, many also express concern about Americans in severely impacted areas being able to vote at all.

Anger toward FEMA also includes accusations of optics management and photo ops while government workers sit on their hands. DHS Secretary Mayorkas’s announcement that FEMA likely doesn’t have enough money to make it through hurricane season also generated widespread backlash, with many pointing out his statement from just months again claiming FEMA was "tremendously prepared."

A final slap in the face to Americans suffering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene came in a clip of Joe Biden completely forgetting about the storm. When asked what victims in the storm zones need, Biden said, “They’re getting everything they need. They’re happy, across the board.”

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