Did Kamala Harris Offer $750 to Hurricane Helene Victims?

Donald Trump Jr. was one of several prominent Republicans to criticize Vice President Kamala Harris after her visit to view damage from Hurricane Helene in Georgia on Wednesday, claiming she offered only $750 to those affected.

The Democratic presidential candidate mentioned the money during a speech in Augusta, sparking outrage from those on the right who said it was all she was offering to those affected by the disaster.

At least 200 people died as a result of the storm, which hit Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. Many homes were washed away or severely damaged, while thousands were left without power or access to communications.

The outrage on the right over the $750 remark came after claims that other FEMA grants for communities struggling with an influx of migrants could be used for the Helene relief effort.

The claim

“$750 for Americans in desperate need, many of whom have lost everything, including their families,” Trump Jr. wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “US$250 BILLION spent in Ukraine with a population of +-38 million is equivalent to just over US$6500 per person in Ukraine!!! For what? Enough of this madness!”

The claim that the federal government was only offering $750 per person was made by others on the social media platform, with one user saying: “I can’t believe what I’m hearing.”

Those angry said many families had lost everything in recent days and that the White House should offer them more.

The facts

Vice President Harris spoke extensively in August in Georgia on Wednesday, October 3, including meeting with those distributing relief supplies and cleaning up after the storm.

During her speech, Harris mentioned the cash payouts as part of a larger relief effort.

“And the federal assistance and assistance that we provided included providing $750 through FEMA to people who have immediate needs like food, baby formula and things like that. And you can apply now,” she said.

A clip of that moment was shared and amplified by several major accounts on X, although it was only part of broader remarks about the federal response to the storm.

Harris said FEMA workers went door-to-door to get residents the immediate relief money, while those with an internet connection were able to apply online.

She also explained the additional, longer-term emergency funding that will be made available, adding, “FEMA is also providing tens of thousands of dollars more to people to help them repair their homes and cover a deductible if needed.” She have insurance and also hotel costs.

The Biden administration has already disbursed over $10 million in “flexible and immediate” assistance to affected states, FEMA said in a news release.

The federal relief agency shipped over 8.8 million meals, more than 7.4 million liters of water, 150 generators and more than 225,000 tarpaulins to the storm area, it said.

Teams also helped restore power and set up satellite internet connections for those without coverage.

More than 1,600 human and animal interactions, including rescues and evacuations, also took place with federal support.

President Joe Biden also said his administration would cover 100 percent of the costs for the first 180 days in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.

The verdict

Needs context.

FACT CHECK FROM NEWSWEEK