Fact Check: Is Trump providing free lodging for supporters displaced in Hurricane Milton?

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Hurricane Milton made its landfall in Florida on Wednesday, October 9, and along with the catastrophic storm, social media flooded with rumors of former president Donald Trump providing free lodging for displaced supporters.

According to the claim, the GOP nominee was offering his properties, including the luxurious Mar-a-Lago Club, as a free shelter to his followers affected by the hurricane. 

Though the initially category 5 hurricane turned into category 4 with winds above 125 mph, many counties of Florida urged the citizens for mandatory evacuation from the regions. The Florida Disaster website provided additional information on evacuation help and shelters for the displaced.

Is Donald Trump offering shelter for displaced supporters amid Hurricane Milton?

As Hurricane Milton reached the Sunshine State's coast, social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Threads, were filled with rumors of Donald Trump's hearty offering to assist his supporters.

"BREAKING: Trump offers free lodging at any of his timeshares (including Mar-a-Lago) to all displaced Trumpers as Milton approaches," read the screenshot of a post circulated on X.

The user, @theliamnissan, who often shares funny content downplaying Trump and his followers, posted on his X handle the screenshot with the caption, "Wow, that's so generous." 

The post garnered over 100K views and 6K likes since it was shared on Tuesday, October 8.

False: Trump did not offer lodging to displaced supporters

Fact-checking website Snopes debunked the rumor by digging out the screenshot's entire content.

The original post written by X user @gailendavid was cropped, and @theliamnissan shared a screenshot of only a part of it. 

The continuation of the original post read, "Note: Let's see how Trump likes it when misinformation flows his way for a change."

Therefore, the rumor that the real estate mogul was opening his lavish properties, including Mar-a-Lago, for his supporters hit by Hurricane Milton for free is false The entirely fabricated rumor was meant to mislead the people of Florida, who are suffering a second catastrophic storm less than two weeks after being affected by Hurricane Helene. 

Donald Trump's Miami resort hosts 275 linemen

Despite the false rumor, the Trump National Doral Miami resort hosted 275 linemen from Florida Power & Light Company ahead of Hurricane Milton, which was anticipated to cause extensive power outages statewide, according to the news website Florida's Voice.

The report stemmed from an X post by the former president's son Eric Trump.

Sharing a video of the linemen gathered, he wrote, "Honored to have 275 incredible linemen from FPL at @TrumpDoral as they get ready to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane #Milton! You are amazing and the Trump Family, and entire state of Florida, appreciates you! Enjoy the rooms - they are the best in Florida! Be safe!"

However, Eric did not clarify whether the stay was free.

The Trump Doral contains 643 guest rooms, 14 deluxe suites, 27 premier suites, two presidential suites, and 48 spa suites, as per its website. The resort's October and November room rates start at more than $300 per night.