facebook-pixel

Letter: Trump’s sole goal in visiting the areas hit by Hurricane Helene was to lie and unjustly demonize Harris

(Mike Belleme | The New York Times) Destroyed houses along the Swannanoa River in Swannanoa, N.C., Sept. 28, 2024.

Donald Trump was jolly on the spot to view the destruction of Hurricane Helene in states critical to determining the result of the presidential election. Nothing to brag about since his too-early appearance interrupted the immediate need of concentrating on battling the disaster. He had no ability to help combat the calamity. He and his Secret Service protectors were nothing more than a bothersome distraction.

He used his unwelcome presence as a political stunt to garner votes by criticizing the Biden/Harris administration for their dereliction of duty in addressing the disaster. He lied, claiming a lack of immediate response when the exact opposite was occurring during his tirade; just by other communication means so as not to get in the way. An immediate response had already taken place.

He later lied saying Biden and Harris were directing resources to Democratic areas while ignoring Republican ones. He lied again saying Biden and Harris had converted relief funds to shelter immigrants. Zero facts to support either claim. Apparently, Trump was counting on voters relying on his bogus assertions without bothering to check further to verify the veracity.

Trump once again employed his “I’m rubber you’re glue” strategy. It was Trump who previously delayed disaster relief for the devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico; instead, absurdly throwing paper towels to citizens in dire immediate need. He diverted funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to finance deporting migrants to Mexico.

Trump and his MAGA supporters have called for cuts to federal agencies warning of potential weather disasters and providing relief to devastated populations. His sole goal in visiting the Helene hurricane disaster was to lie to unjustly demonize Harris in the race for the presidency.

Raymond A. Hult, Bountiful

Submit a letter to the editor