Lara Trump spars with CNN’s Dana Bash as host calls out Donald Trump’s claims about Hurricane Helene
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: CNN's Dana Bash confronted Lara Trump about the alleged misinformation spread by Donald Trump regarding disaster relief funding in North Carolina, not allowing her to evade the questions posed.
Bash criticized the Republican National Committee co-chair when she attempted to divert attention from her father-in-law's questionable assertions that FEMA is providing merely a few hundred dollars to Americans whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Dana Bash to Lara Trump: Trump said FEMA is only offering $750 to Americans who had homes destroyed. That's not true. He's also spreading conspiracy theories who falsely claim disaster $ is being redirected for migrants. Why is he spreading misinfo?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 6, 2024
LARA TRUMP: *dodges question pic.twitter.com/3Oylff96tZ
Lara Trump and Dana Bash clash over hurricane relief and misinformation
Dana Bash accused former president Donald Trump of making false or misleading claims that FEMA was offering Hurricane Helene victims $750 and that the organization was using funds for illegal immigrants.
Bash confronted Lara Trump about this on the October 6, Sunday, edition of CNN's 'State of the Union'.
She said, "I want to ask you about something that the former president said last night on that stage, specifically about Hurricane Helene in your home state of North Carolina. He said that 'FEMA is only offering $750 to Americans' who have had their homes destroyed'."
She added, "That's not true. He's also echoing conspiracy theorists online who falsely claim that the administration is redirecting disaster money for undocumented immigrants. That's also not true."
Bash asked Lara, "Why is he spreading misinformation in a crisis like that? And does that concern you about your fellow North Carolinians and how and whether they could actually get help?"
“I’m incredibly concerned in North Carolina. I hear every day from people on the ground there, and they are desperate for help. It is a dire situation there. I actually think we don’t even know the extent yet of truly how bad it is there,” the former president’s daughter-in-law said.
“I wanna not let this get out there,” the CNN host said.
“You are right that FEMA is giving $750 [to each family],” Bash said. “But that is a first step for immediate needs. It’s called serious needs assistance.”
The correction from Bash seemed to irritate Lara Trump.
“They are out of money in terms of the hurricane relief,” Lara remarked. “We have another hurricane heading towards Florida right now. But they have said that there is no money right now. Why don't they have anything in order?”
As Lara attempted to divert the conversation from the original question by stating that most assistance was coming from local citizens, Bash remained resolute.
“It is bad there. But my question is about the misinformation, particularly the notion that they are moving money to, you say, undocumented migrants, which FEMA says flatly is not true. If people are not getting correct information and then they can't go for assistance,” Bash said, only to be quickly interrupted by Lara.
“You have migrants being housed in luxury hotels in New York City,” Lara said. “We have paid so much money from our tax dollars into the crisis. That didn't need to happen."
“That’s a separate of money,” Bash replied, clearly exhausted from having to correct her guest repeatedly. “That has nothing to do with people in your home state right now.”
Hurricane Helene caused massive devastation in parts of Florida, Georgia and North Carolina late last month, with over 225 people confirmed dead, dozens still missing and whole towns wiped off the map.
Internet slams Lara Trump
After seeing Lara Trump's interview with Dana Bash on CNN's 'State of the Union', many social media users claimed Donald Trump's daughter-in-law was ducking the host's questions.
A user said about Lara, "She is dodging because deep down she knows she is wrong but won't admit it!"
She is dodging because deep down she knows she is wrong but won't admit it!
— Emre Yurttas (@emrey35) October 6, 2024
Another added, "It's why they hate fact-checking. They can't back up their lies."
It's why they hate fact-checking. They can't back up their lies.
— Eric Geeks 🏳️🌈 (@UpBeatGeeks) October 6, 2024
The third commentator remarked, "They stay creating dangerous stories and dodging any questions about them."
They stay creating dangerous stories and dodging any questions about them.
— Eric Okafor (@KneWKeeD) October 6, 2024
"She can say anything she wants as long as she doesn’t start singing. Lord help us," mocked a critic.
She can say anything she wants as long as she doesn’t start singing.
— Scotty V. (@vdaddy1969) October 6, 2024
Lord help us.
A person said, "Mute her mic!!!!"
Another chimed in, "Lara Trump LOVES misinformation."
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