FACT CHECK: Did Donald Trump Donate $25 Million Dollars to Hurricane Victims?

October 7th, 2024
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledges the crowd at a campaign rally at the Johnny Mercer Theatre on September 24, 2024 in Savannah, Georgia. The former president spoke to attendees on various plans including the tax code, U.S. manufacturing, and future economic opportunities if reelected a second term. Trump continues campaigning around the country ahead of the November 5 presidential election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Multiple viral posts claim former President Donald Trump has donated $25 million dollars of his own money to victims of Hurricane Helene.

 

Verdict: False

There is no evidence that he did this, nor has he claimed that he did. The former president has sponsored a GoFundMe aimed at helping those impacted by the storm.

Fact Check:

Trump has made unfounded claims regarding the Biden Administration’s response to those displaced following the landfall of Hurricane Helene, according to The Washington Post. The former president has harshly criticized response efforts in the wake of the storm, calling the response “terrible,” NC Newsline reported. (RELATED: Viral X Photo Showing A Young Girl Escaping Flood Water Is AI-Generated)

Users on social media apps such as X, Instagram and Threads are claiming that Mr. Trump has donated $25 million dollars to people left reeling from Helene.

 

There are no reports found online that prove this, however. A Google search for related news articles turns up empty. A broader search for donations to victims from the Trump campaign shows that he started a GoFundMe to accept contributions from the general public. As of press time, the amount raised sits at $5.3 million, however there is no proof that any of that money came from Mr. Trump himself.

The former president visited and gave remarks in Valdosta, GA recently, a town hard hit by the massive storm. He made no mention of any donations made, however. His official campaign website lacks any information about any donations made to storm victims, as well.

This uncorroborated claim was first fact checked by Lead Stories.

Anthony Pascone

Contributor