Washington – President-elect Donald Trump has once again made false claims in the wake of natural disasters. In the midst of wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County, Trump took to social media to criticize President Joe Biden, alleging that FEMA was left with “NO MONEY.” However, a fact check reveals that Trump’s claim is unfounded. Despite previous depletions, the Disaster Relief Fund was replenished to approximately $27 billion following a bill signed by Biden in December. While this amount may not be sufficient for all disasters that may occur, it certainly does not amount to “no money.”

Moreover, a ‘water restoration declaration’ addressed in Trump’s critique of Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom was deemed false by experts. There was never any such document for Newsom to sign, as confirmed by his office and water policy experts in California. Newsom’s efforts to protect endangered fish species in the Northern California Delta did not entail any refusal to allocate water for firefighting efforts in Southern California.

The wildfire crisis in Los Angeles County was exacerbated by intense winds and a prolonged drought, not by water conservation efforts in Northern California. Trump’s proposals to increase water flow to agricultural areas would not have mitigated the fire risks in Southern California, as experts have clarified. Despite Trump’s assertions, firefighting aircraft were operational over Los Angeles County, and there was no widespread scarcity of water for hydrants.

In light of these inaccuracies, it is essential to separate fact from fiction in evaluating the causes and responses to natural disasters. Trump’s misleading claims do not align with the realities of water distribution, firefighting capabilities, and environmental conservation efforts in California. As discussions continue on mitigating the impacts of wildfires, it is crucial to base solutions on accurate information and expert insights rather than misinformation spread through social media.