As Florida braces for Hurricane Milton, residents in the Tampa Bay region hurried to evacuate on Tuesday, fearing a direct hit from the Category 5 storm. The hurricane, with winds of 165 mph (265 kph), could potentially be a once-in-a-century event for Tampa, a city that has avoided a major hurricane for generations. Preparations were frantic as crews worked to clear debris left by Hurricane Helene to prevent it from becoming dangerous projectiles in Milton's powerful winds.
Officials have urged residents to evacuate, especially in the 11 counties under mandatory orders, covering about 5.9 million people. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis assured that there would be sufficient gasoline for evacuees and emphasized that evacuating tens of miles, rather than hundreds, would be enough for safety.
The storm is expected to hit Wednesday night, with storm surges, intense winds, and possible tornadoes. Predictions of landfall have wavered slightly, but the entire region is expected to face severe impacts. While Tampa has not seen a direct hurricane hit since 1921, authorities fear that the city's luck may run out, and a 15-foot storm surge could cause catastrophic damage.
The National Hurricane Center warned that fluctuations in the storm's intensity are possible as it moves across the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which have fueled its rapid strengthening. President Joe Biden has declared an emergency for Florida, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed nearly 900 staff members to the region, stocked with millions of meals and liters of water.
Many residents, recalling the devastation of recent hurricanes like Ian and Helene, are taking the warnings seriously. Traffic was heavy on evacuation routes, and fuel deliveries were being escorted by state troopers. However, some people, like those in Riverview and Ruskin, decided to stay, hoping their preparations would protect them.
Milton is the 13th named storm of this hurricane season, with climate change playing a significant role in the rapid intensification of storms like it and Helene. Florida’s west coast is under multiple warnings, and officials continue to urge residents to evacuate and prepare for what could be the worst hurricane to hit Florida in over a century.
FEMA, the FAA and North Carolina emergency response agencies have rebutted claims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the Federal Aviation Administration were blocking flights with hurricane emergency supplies.
The FAA can issue temporary restrictions to ensure airspace safety during emergency response.
Elon Musk’s Oct. 4 X posts sparked these persistent false claims.
By Madison Czopek
Neither the Federal Emergency Management Agency nor the Federal Aviation Administration are preventing flights from delivering supplies, including Starlink satellite internet receivers, to Hurricane Helene survivors.
But if you’ve been on social media in recent days, you might have heard otherwise.
After entrepreneur Elon Musk claimed on X that FEMA was blocking relief efforts in North Carolina, social media posts multiplied, amplifying the claim and garnering thousands of views and shares.
"Did you see Elon’s post?" a woman asked in one video shared Oct. 5 on Facebook. "One of his SpaceX engineers on the ground in North Carolina reported FEMA is interfering. More confirmation — this engineer reported that FEMA is blocking shipments of Starlink receivers which are essential for maintaining communication in disaster zones like the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. These shipments can’t be delivered without an escort from local first responders to get past FEMA’s enforcers."
Starlink, a satellite internet provider, is a subsidiary of Musk’s commercial spaceflight company, SpaceX. Starlink has distributed user terminal devices to help people connect to the internet in hurricane-hit areas.
The woman continued: "FEMA is playing gatekeeper. And when an agency blocks critical aid, they’re no longer helping. They’ve become part of the problem."
Text on an Oct. 4 Instagram video that showed aerial footage of an unknown area read, in all-caps: "Breaking: FEMA is blocking all assistance to NC including Starlink."
Other people simply shared screenshots of Musk’s posts.
The posts were flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads.)
FEMA, the FAA and North Carolina’s Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management have rebutted these inaccurate claims.
What sparked these claims?
On Oct. 4, Musk shared on X — the social media platform he owns, where he has amassed more than 200 million followers — anecdotes and screenshots promoting this falsehood.
At about 1 p.m. ET Oct. 4, Musk posted that a SpaceX engineer in North Carolina told him FEMA was "actively blocking citizens who try to help" Hurricane Helene survivors.
"‘Hey Elon, update here on site of Asheville, NC,’" Musk quoted the unnamed engineer as saying. "‘The big issue is FEMA is actively blocking shipments and seizing goods and services locally and locking them away to state they are their own.’"
At 1:15 p.m. ET, Musk shared a screenshot of direct messages saying "they are now about to shut down the Air space to ‘regulate’ the private choppers we are riding in to deliver Starlink and supplies," asked Musk to "get the word out about FEMA."
The unidentified sender said that "Starlinks" were successfully distributed Oct. 3, "but FEMA then showed up and started blocking us." The messages described the FAA "requiring to/from information" and described that as "cumbersome to the ops."
Musk wrote, "Just received this text 20 mins ago. The level of belligerent government incompetence is staggering!!"
Since then, Musk’s initial posts have collectively been viewed nearly 70 million times — garnering so much attention that U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Buttigieg responded on X.
"No one is shutting down the airspace and FAA doesn’t block legitimate rescue and recovery flights," Buttigieg wrote at 2:32 p.m. ET. "If you’re encountering a problem give me a call."
Musk continued posting. At 3:25 p.m. he wrote: "SpaceX engineers are trying to deliver Starlink terminals & supplies to devastated areas in North Carolina right now and @FEMA is both failing to help AND won’t let others help."
After Musk expressed initial difficulty contacting Buttigieg, they appeared to have resolved the issue.
At about 7:30 p.m. ET, Musk replied: "Thanks for helping simplify the FAA (Notice to Airmen). Support flights are now underway. Much appreciated." As of Oct. 8, that post had been viewed 970,000 times, a fraction of the readership his original post received.
We contacted Musk and received no response.
Federal and North Carolina emergency response officials rebut these claims
North Carolina Emergency Management told PolitiFact in a statement that the State Emergency Response Team knew of no delayed disaster relief flights. The statement also said the FAA was coordinating with state and local officials to ensure safe flights in congested airspace.
On its "Rumor Response" page, FEMA disputed that the FAA was "restricting access for recovery operations," and clarified that the administration was "coordinating closely" with local officials to prioritize safety.
The Federal Aviation Administration said in an Oct. 4 statement that recovery efforts in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee have "high levels of aviation activity, including small airplanes, helicopters and drones."
"The FAA’s goal at all times is to ensure safety and help facilitate this critical work," the FAA site said, adding that the FAA can issue temporary flight restrictions at the request of local authorities "to ensure safety for aircraft conducting Hurricane Helene rescue and recovery activities."
"TFRs do not ban aircraft, including drones, from providing disaster relief and recovery assistance," the site said. "Relief operations, including civilian and volunteer operations, may access the restricted airspace if they are coordinated with emergency responders."
North Carolina’s Department of Public Safety created a "Hurricane Helene: Fact vs. Rumor" webpage, on which it addressed what it described as a "rumors," including that 1) the FAA was "restricting access to the airspace for Helene rescue and recovery operations" and 2) FEMA was "operating and controlling airports in western North Carolina."
The page said both claims are inaccurate.
"FEMA is not controlling any airports in western North Carolina," the site read. "Airport Managers and Airport Sponsors are the legal entities in charge of operating airports, even in Helene response. FEMA staff may be present at airports as they deploy supplies and stage for Helene response."
At around 9:30 a.m. Oct. 4, North Carolina’s Division of Aviation said on X that the increased air traffic meant pilots needed to get permission to use runways and airports.
Federal and state officials have also denied that FEMA is "confiscating" emergency supplies and donations.
Social media posts claimed FEMA and the FAA are "blocking" delivery of Starlink devices and supplies to hurricane-affected areas.
The claims are inaccurate. The FAA can temporarily restrict flights to help keep airspace safe during hurricane response. North Carolina’s Department of Public Safety rebutted inaccurate claims about the FAA and FEMA.
Private drones can fly over areas hit by Hurricane Helene to offer aid; no ban’s in place
By Maria Briceño
A Transportation Department spokesperson said the Federal Aviation Administration is not banning drones from providing Hurricane Helene disaster relief and recovery assistance.
The Federal Aviation Administration on Oct. 2 put a temporary flight restriction in limited parts of the areas affected by Hurricane Helene, but lifted the restriction that night.
A ban would bar aircraft from flying over a specific area. A temporary flight restriction however, is temporary and usually applies to nonauthorized flights during emergency situations or special events.
As people try to help one another after the storm, social media posts are claiming that private drones are being banned from flying over hurricane affected areas. But that is not accurate.
"Pete Buttigieg has declared that private drones are BANNED from flying over areas affected by Hurricane Helene. They’re deliberately impeding the ability of volunteers to assist in search and rescue and documenting the extent of the disaster," an Oct. 3 X post said, referring to the transportation secretary.
Another Oct. 3 X post said: "BREAKING: Pete Buttigieg announces private drones are RESTRICTED from flying over hurricane areas. This prevents civilian volunteers from locating victims in need or showing footage of the disaster."
These posts included a 23-second clip of Buttigieg saying: "Our goal is to make sure that funding is no obstacle to very quickly getting people the relief that they need and deserve. There’s also some safety issues that come up. For example, temporary flight restrictions to make sure that the airspace is clear for any flights or drone activity that might be involved in helping to allow those emergency responders to do their job."
The U.S. Transportation Department also posted that video Oct. 2 on X, with caption that said, "Drone pilots: Do not fly your drone near or around rescue and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene. Interfering with emergency response operations impacts search and rescue operations on the ground. For more information on temporary flight restrictions follow: @FAADroneZone."
But a Transportation Department spokesperson said the Federal Aviation Administration is not banning drones from providing Hurricane Helene disaster relief and recovery assistance. The spokesperson said the department’s Oct. 2 X post referred to a temporary flight restriction in limited parts of the affected areas that was lifted that night.
The Federal Aviation Administration said on its website that a temporary flight restriction is a notice that an area is restricted to air travel because of hazardous conditions, a special event, "or a general warning for the entire FAA airspace."
On Oct. 1, the Federal Aviation Administration posted a notice advising drone pilots to be careful about collisions with other aircraft. It said that after Hurricane Helene, there had been "an increased presence" of drones operating in western North Carolina.
"Many public safety organizations are operating drones for life-safety missions and may be anywhere up to 400’ AGL or higher," the notice said. "Be advised that drones are comparatively small and often blend in with the background; drone pilots may not identify other aircraft in time to safely maneuver out of the way."
What do these restrictions mean and to whom do they apply?
The FAA’s bans and temporary flight restrictions aren’t the same. A ban completely bars aircraft from flying over a specific area. A temporary flight restriction is temporary and usually applies to nonauthorized flights during an emergency situation or a special event. In the Hurricane Helene aftermath, a private drone owner could ask local authorities for permission to fly the drone and assist with emergency response.
Temporary flight restrictions apply to all aircraft (with people aboard and drones). The Federal Aviation Administration enforces these restrictions after local authorities or law enforcement agencies request them. The restrictions apply only to the limited areas and civilians, and volunteers can coordinate with emergency responders to access airspace when they’re in force, the Transportation Department said.
The Transportation Department said that anyone looking to use a drone or other aircraft to aid Hurricane Helene disaster relief should coordinate with first responders and law enforcement.
As of Oct. 4, the Federal Aviation Administration’s temporary flight restrictions page lists no Hurricane Helene-related restrictions in the southeastern United States.
Today, South Korea has warned the world that North Korean troops have entered Ukrainian territory and begun fighting on Russia's behalf. According to South Korea, these troops have already begun to suffer casualties as Kim Jong-Un expands his military partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
We also have footage of a major explosion and fire in Crimea at a large oil depot which is currently burning out of control. We also received more news from the Middle East that Hezbollah has launched another large-scale rocket attack on major Israeli cities. Israel continues to vow revenge on Iran which is expected to be carried out in the next few days.
We also get photo evidence of explosions taking place near Iran's nuclear research facility in Isfahan which has observers worried.
Please like and subscribe for more daily short-war videos!
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that it appears that the replacement of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has been eliminated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also appeared to confirm the news of the elimination of Hashem Safieddine.
The replacement for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was targeted in an airstrike in Beirut on October 3rd.
The IDF have yet to confirm the details.
Former British forces commander Colonel Richard Kemp has given his take on Israel's success in its fight against the Hezbollah terror group and how it can give Iran a "devastating blow".
The Sun delivers breaking news, latest gossip and incredible exclusives around the world with hubs in London, New York, Scotland and Ireland.
Covering topics from news, money and sport along with our famous Fabulous Magazine, The Sun is the biggest news brand in the UK and one of the fastest growing news sites in the US.
Stay tuned for video clips across the biggest news stories and segments from The Sun’s expert journalists.
The IDF has expanded the Lebanon war as three divisions of the IDF enter the ground operation and Hezbollah fires dozens of rockets at Israel's north. Official ceremonies commemorate the tragic events of October 7th and remind the public to continue to fight to bring our hostages home. And US and allies from left to right express solidarity with Israel on the anniversary of the October 7th Hamas massacre.
Welcoming the top leader, Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang stated that the Vietnamese community in France comprises over 300,000 individuals, including about 50,000 intellectuals and thousands of entrepreneurs. He noted that the community has successfully integrated while preserving its cultural identity and national traditions, maintaining strong ties to their homeland.
Vuong Huu Nhan, Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in France, emphasized the community's commitment to supporting their compatriots in Vietnam and their dedication to an independent and sovereign nation.
Nguyen Hai Nam, Chairman of the Association of Vietnamese Businesses in France (ABVietFrance), highlighted the association's efforts to enhance investment and trade relations between France, European nations, and Vietnam. He also presented recommendations for easing the process of resuming and applying for Vietnamese nationality and allowing Vietnamese citizens abroad to vote and run for National Assembly elections.
On behalf of the Association of Vietnamese Youth and Students in France, Nguyen Thu Van expressed a desire for financial support for community initiatives, whether from the State budget or domestic enterprises. She proposed organizing a forum specifically for Vietnamese youth abroad and expressed hope that relevant ministries would assist in hosting a Science and Technology Forum for young intellectuals and businesses in France.
General Secretary and President Lam stated that during discussions with French leaders, he urged France to continue supporting the Vietnamese community, ensuring they can live, study, and work in stability while integrating into society and contributing to both France’s development and bilateral relations.
The leader emphasized that the Party and State value the contributions of overseas Vietnamese in France and the Vietnamese Association there, acknowledging their vital role in uniting and supporting the community while preserving the Vietnamese language and cultural identity.
He reaffirmed the Party and State's commitment to the Vietnamese community abroad, particularly in France, viewing them as an essential and inseparable resource for the nation.
He expressed hope that the Vietnamese community in France and Europe would continue to foster solidarity and national pride, maintain their connection to the homeland, and contribute to the country’s development while promoting and preserving the Vietnamese language for future generations.
Acknowledging the community's proposals, he committed to urging authorities to take prompt action to address the aspirations of overseas Vietnamese, particularly those in France and around the world.
The leader requested that the embassy continue its strong engagement in community work and citizen protection, supporting the community in settling down, integrating well into the host society, and preserving their cultural identity while serving as a bridge between Vietnam and other nations to contribute to the country’s growth.
Five members of a Russian expedition who went missing while attempting to climb Mount Dhaulagiri have been found dead, according to Russia’s embassy in Nepal, as reported by CNN on Tuesday.
Initial investigations indicated that the group of Russian climbers died after falling down a slope, the embassy stated. Officials mentioned they were in communication with other members of the expedition and were evaluating the feasibility of recovering the bodies from the mountain for identification and repatriation.
Dhaulagiri, which means “White Mountain” in Sanskrit, is the world’s seventh-highest peak, standing at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) above sea level, located in the Himalayas of central Nepal. Known for its steep sides and extreme cold, it was first successfully summited in 1960 by a Swiss-Austrian expedition.
The fatality rate for Dhaulagiri is slightly over 16%, making it one of the most perilous mountains to climb. As of spring 2022, records indicate that 647 climbers have reached the summit of Dhaulagiri I.
The Russian Mountaineering Federation informed CNN that the expedition was organized by a private organization. The experienced climbers set off in early September, employing a traditional ascent method called “siege” climbing, which involved splitting into smaller teams to take turns advancing and establishing temporary camps.
Contact was lost with five members of the group after they set out for the summit on October 6. A sixth climber intended to join them but withdrew due to health issues.
The federation expressed condolences to the victims' families and friends in a statement to CNN. The Ambassador of Nepal to Russia also asked to extend his sincere sympathies.
A federation spokesperson noted that the climbers were attempting the ascent during the “off-season,” when the climbing season typically ends, and acknowledged that the weather conditions were challenging at that time.
Russian state news agency RIA Novosti shared a photo attributed to the Leningrad Region Mountaineering Federation, reportedly showing the location where the bodies were found. Taken from a helicopter, the image allegedly depicts a backpack and bodies on a rocky ledge on the glacier.
A representative from the organization indicated that the climbers were likely tied together with a safety rope when they fell down the slope.
CNN has reached out to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further comments.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis firmly denied reports that he declined a phone call from Vice President Kamala Harris prior to the landfall of Hurricane Milton. Florida’s Gulf Coast is preparing for Hurricane Milton, which strengthened to a Category 5 storm on Monday, just over a week after Hurricane Helene impacted the region. The likelihood of a direct hit on the Tampa Bay area is significant, prompting evacuations in several Florida communities.
On Monday, ABC News, citing a “source close to the governor,” reported that DeSantis declined to take a phone call from Vice President Harris. The Disney-owned news outlet, which is operated by a lifelong friend of Harris, indicated that staff members perceive the vice president’s outreach during the hurricane as politically motivated. Harris was asked about the report as she was boarding her plane on Monday.
“You know, moments of crisis, if nothing else, should really be the moment that anyone who calls themselves a leader, says they’re going to put politics aside and put the people first. People are in desperate need of support right now. And playing political games at this moment in these crisis situations, these are the height of emergency situations, is just utterly irresponsible and it is selfish,” she said. “And it is about political gamesmanship instead of doing the job that you took an oath to do, which is to put the people first.”
DeSantis also addressed Harris’ comments in an interview with “Fox & Friends” on Monday. Co-host Ainsley Earhardt asked: “Kamala Harris called you selfish. She said she has tried to contact you to talk to you about hurricane relief. And I know that you’ve said – I think you said she didn’t try – we want to get your response bus, first, listen to what she said.
“But she said you know a moment of crisis, if nothing else, should really be the moment that anyone calls himself a leader says they’re going to put politics aside and put the people first. People are in desperate need of support right now and playing political games at this moment in these crisis situations. These are the height of emergency situations is just utterly irresponsible, and it’s selfish and it’s about political gamesmanship. What’s your response?” Earhardt asked.
“She should look in the mirror. We have been on an emergency footing for two weeks straight around the clock, 24/7. We have been working. My office, our division of emergency management, is helping people prepare for Hurricane Helene and helping effectuate rescues of people after Hurricane Helene,” DeSantis said.
“Helping people pick up the pieces of their lives after Helene and then have to also turn around and prepare for major impacts and maybe even more impacts from Hurricane Milton, be able to have rescue personnel ready to help people and then, of course, help with the power restoration, all these things to do. So that’s been my sole focus,” DeSantis continued.
“My focus has not been on dealing with Kamala Harris. I saw the news report, I didn’t know she tried to contact me. But I would also say it’s not about you, Kamala it’s about the people of Florida. My focus is where it should be. I can tell you this I have worked on hurricanes under President Trump and President Biden. Neither of them ever tried to politicize it,” he said.
“She has never called on any of the storms we have had since she has been vice president until apparently now. Why all of a sudden is she trying to parachute in and inject herself when she has never shown any interest in the past? We know it’s because of politics. We know it’s because of her campaign,” he noted further.
DeSantis concluded, “I have zero time to entertain these political games. We’re going to continue to do what we need to do to prepare and respond what may be one of the most damaging storms in the history of the United States. So she says focusing on protecting your people is selfish, I think she ought to look in the mirror.”
Eating high-fiber foods, chewing thoroughly, and selecting slow-digesting options are effective strategies for reducing calorie intake, enhancing satiety, and aiding weight loss. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Institute of Digestive Surgery at the 108 Central Military Hospital, notes that an unregulated diet is a primary factor in weight gain. Some individuals consume large portions yet feel hungry soon after, while others eat less but remain full longer. The key lies in choosing the right foods.
Here are five tips to help you eat less, stay full longer, and prevent weight gain while improving your overall health:
Choose Low-Energy Density Foods
Energy density measures the number of calories in a specific weight of food. Foods high in energy density are often loaded with sugar and fat, such as pastries, fried foods, and jams. In contrast, foods that are high in water, fiber, and protein are lower in energy density and typically contain less fat. Therefore, focus on consuming vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, fish, dairy products, and beans to provide adequate energy without contributing to weight gain.
Opt for Foods with Greater Volume
Consider two options that both contain 100 calories: a small piece of cake with several potato chips, or a glass of milk alongside a large plate of vegetables. The second choice takes up more space in your stomach because vegetables are over 90% water. This option also has less fat and sugar, helping you feel fuller for longer and decreasing the likelihood of weight gain.
Include Fiber in Your Diet
Fiber is essential for preventing cancer and promoting overall health. Since fiber is hard to digest, it remains in the digestive system longer after eating. It absorbs water and can swell to 15-25 times its original size, resulting in extended feelings of fullness. Foods high in fiber include various vegetables, fruits, whole grains, soybeans, mushrooms, and algae. The recommended daily fiber intake is around 30 grams, equivalent to 200 grams of whole grains, 500 grams of green vegetables, 250 grams of fruit, and a small handful of soybeans. For those with digestive issues, cooking these foods is advisable.
Eat Slowly and Chew Thoroughly
Blood sugar levels usually rise significantly 15 minutes after starting a meal, peaking within 30 minutes. During this time, the brain sends fullness signals to the stomach and intestines, reducing hunger. Eating too quickly can lead to consuming more food before these signals are triggered, making it harder to manage portion sizes. Ideally, meals should last 20-30 minutes, and each bite should be chewed around 20 times for optimal digestion.
Choose Slow-Digesting Foods
Foods that are digested quickly can lead to a rapid return of hunger. Sugary and starchy foods digest and absorb rapidly, so it’s wise to limit items like bread, rice, noodles, vermicelli, and pastries. When consuming refined white rice or noodles, pair them with whole grains to slow down digestion. Protein-rich foods such as soybeans, lean meats, fish, shrimp, and milk can also help enhance feelings of fullness. While these foods are higher in calories, 30-40% of those calories are burned during digestion and absorption.
In summary, including foods that promote satiety in smaller, regular meals allows you to enjoy eating while effectively managing your weight.
Fifty-nine residents of an apartment complex in central Nghe An Province showed signs of poisoning after contaminated water infiltrated the building's water supply, according to officials. Nguyen The Tung, director of the Vinh City medical center, reported on Tuesday that one of the two groundwater reservoirs at the Golden City 3 apartment complex had developed several cracks. He indicated that polluted water from the surrounding area likely entered the reservoir during heavy rainfall in mid-September.
Between September 25 and 26, residents from 36 households in the complex experienced symptoms such as stomachaches, vomiting, and low blood pressure. Four individuals with more severe symptoms were hospitalized but have since been released. The residents suspected that the water supply was the cause of their health problems.
Tests carried out by the Nghe An Center for Disease Control on water from the affected reservoir found microorganism levels that were hundreds of times higher than the acceptable limits. Samples revealed the presence of harmful bacteria like E. coli and Coliforms, which can lead to food poisoning symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhea.
The damaged reservoir has been closed for repairs by the building’s management, Tung noted. The Golden City 3 apartment complex houses approximately 105 families, totaling around 400 residents.
FEMA Isn't Running Out of Hurricane Relief Money Due to Migrant Aid
By Anna Rascouët-Paz
As the U.S. Southeast recovered from Hurricane Helene's destruction in early October 2024, rumors spread on the internet that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the Federal Emergency Management Agency was running out of money for its relief programs even before hurricane season was over.
Some internet users further claimed that victims of Hurricane Helene would receive only $750 because, according to them, FEMA had already spent more than $1 billion on shelter and services for undocumented immigrants
Other posts claimed that the $750 was in fact just a loan, which recipients had one year to repay lest FEMA seize their property
On Oct. 7, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump shared these rumors on his Truth Social account. He added that "billions of dollars were going to foreign countries" while the government abandoned North Carolina .
FEMA Funding in 2024
While it's true Mayorkas warned that FEMA was running out of funds for disaster relief, the realities of how the agency is funded and how it deploys its funding are much more complicated than online rumor-mongers claim. FEMA, like other U.S. government agencies, obtains its funding through an appropriations process in the U.S. Congress, which means it cannot simply reallocate funds authorized for one program to another.
On Oct. 2, Mayorkas told reporters FEMA's purse was close to empty and expressed concern for the agency's ability to help victims of any more natural disasters, especially as hurricane season hadn't ended. "We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have. We are expecting another hurricane hitting," he said. "FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season."
For the full year 2024, the U.S. Congress appropriated $20.26 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund, according to HR 2882, also know as the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. The DRF is the fund from which FEMA draws disaster assistance in case of destructive events such as Hurricane Helene (emphasis ours):
Disaster Relief Fund
For necessary expenses in carrying out the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), $20,261,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That such amount shall be for major disasters declared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and is designated by the Congress as being for disaster relief pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
However the country faced 20 so-called "billion-dollar disasters" as of early October 2024, including Hurricane Helene. In comparison, the average from 2014 to 2023 was about 17 such events per year (up from 12 a year between 2010 and 2019). Because of this increase in major disasters, the funding provided for FEMA's DRF was insufficient, and the program required additional funding. This is what Mayorkas was referring to in his statement.
Due to this state of affairs, FEMA implemented so-called Immediate Needs Funding guidance, whereby the agency covers, in particular, "lifesaving and life-sustaining activities," but holds off on any other new obligations. Still, this was not enough, and the both the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. President Joe Biden said they would request supplemental funds to cover the rest of the hurricane season. This was especially significant as Florida braced for Hurricane Milton.
On Sept. 25, 2024, however, Congress passed a stopgap bill to extend funding for the rest of the year. The bill apportioned $20 billion to DHS, and added that the agency could use the money for disaster relief:
Sec. 134. Amounts made available by section 101 to the Department of Homeland Security under the heading "Federal Emergency Management Agency—Disaster Relief Fund" may be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to carry out response and recovery activities under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
Regardless of legislative developments, FEMA clarified that it did have sufficient funding to cover the cost of Hurricane Helene. It elaborated on the topic on a page the agency set up to dispel unfounded rumors:
FEMA has enough money right now for immediate response and recovery needs. If you were affected by Helene, do not hesitate to apply for disaster assistance as there is a variety of help available for different needs.
$750 'Serious Needs Assistance' Is for Urgent, Immediate Needs
Further, the claim that Hurricane Helene victims would receive "only $750" is false. In an Oct. 3 speech, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said the following: "And the federal relief and assistance that we have been providing has included FEMA providing $750 for folks who need immediate needs being met, such as food, baby formula and the like. And you can apply now,"
Harris was referring to a specific type of assistance (Serious Needs Assistance) FEMA offers to help victims pay for urgent supplies such as groceries and medications in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. However, that $750 was by no means the only assistance the agency could provide victims of Hurricane Helene. The agency's rumor-busting page read:
One type of assistance that is often approved quickly after you apply is Serious Needs Assistance, which is $750 to help pay for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify to receive once you apply for disaster assistance. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing and home repair costs.
The claim that FEMA assistance is only a loan is also false. On a different myth-debunking page on its website, FEMA clarified that FEMA disaster assistance need not be repaid. FEMA grants are designed for immediate relief. For longer-term recovery, FEMA may refer those affected by disasters to low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Though it is a different agency, the SBA lends the money through FEMA. Nor is the money reserved solely for small-business owners, as the loans can also support home repairs, personal property replacement, vehicles and other necessities for individuals and small businesses after a disaster.
Separately, Congress has appropriated a total of $640.9 million for shelter and other services to noncitizen migrant arrivals in 2024, down from $780 million in 2023. FEMA distributes this support to nonfederal organizations in localities that welcome migrants across the country. It does this through its Shelter and Food program for people at risk of homelessness, outside of disaster situations. Over two years, support for migrants totaled $1.42 billion, about 7% of the total appropriated for the DRF in 2024 alone.
The Appropriations Process
The appropriations process in the U.S. Congress is a legislative one. Funding resolutions must first go through subcommittees. FEMA is the purview of the Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management subcommittee, part of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In October 2024, the subcommittee's chair was Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the appropriations process starts with the White House, which each year submits an annual budget to Congress, while each agency and department share "detailed budget justifications" to each committee. Subcommittees then hold hearings, draft bills, send them to the full committee. At any point of the process, members can propose amendments. Then the House votes on the bills and sent them to the Senate. Like any other bill, the Senate can decide to "filibuster" the bills — that is, to start debates on them unless and until 60 senators vote to pass them.
Once Congress appropriates the funds, agencies and departments may not spend less than what they receive, nor can they spend more than they receive, aside from few exceptions. They also cannot spend the funds for any other purpose than the one for which they received them. In other words, given that Congress appropriated $1.42 billion for services and shelter to noncitizen migrants, FEMA did not have the authorization to reallocate that amount to disaster relief, or vice versa.
Here are five nutritious juice combinations that not only supply essential nutrients but also support belly fat reduction, detoxification, and metabolism enhancement, as highlighted by the Times of India:
Apple Juice with Kiwi and Spinach
A blend of apple, kiwi, and spinach is excellent for weight loss. Apples are rich in fiber, including pectin, which helps reduce visceral fat. A study in the Journal of Oleo Science confirmed that apple polyphenols in beverages can decrease body fat. Kiwi, loaded with vitamin C, aids in fat oxidation, while spinach, low in calories and high in fiber, promotes prolonged fullness and weight stability.
Cucumber and Ginger Juice
Cucumber and ginger juice is ideal for hydration and fat burning, making it perfect for a morning drink. Cucumbers are low in calories but rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium. They also contain fiber, which helps manage blood pressure and supports weight loss. The anti-inflammatory properties of cucumbers ease bloating, while ginger accelerates metabolism.
Apple and Cucumber Juice
This combination offers a refreshing, fat-burning beverage. Apples provide fiber that fosters fullness, while cucumbers hydrate and improve digestion. Apples also help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol due to their high content of flavonoid epicatechin, which can reduce blood pressure. This juice is perfect for post-exercise hydration and recovery.
Bottle Gourd Juice
Bottle gourd is low in calories and rich in water content, promoting detoxification. Its high fiber content supports digestion, increases satiety, and reduces the urge to snack, making it ideal for weight loss. Drinking bottle gourd juice helps eliminate toxins from the body and supports overall health.
Spinach, Cucumber, and Lemon Juice
This juice combines spinach’s high fiber, antioxidants (like beta-carotene), and essential minerals with cucumber’s hydrating properties and lemon’s vitamin C boost. Together, they aid fat burning, reduce bloating, and improve lung health. This blend is a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, offering both detoxifying and weight-loss benefits.
These juices not only provide a natural source of hydration and nutrients but also support weight management and overall wellness.
In her forthcoming memoir, Melania Trump has openly voiced her support for abortion rights, presenting a viewpoint that starkly contrasts with her husband, Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the White House. The former first lady’s stance has stirred controversy, particularly in the context of the upcoming November 5 election.
In excerpts from her book, Melania emphasizes the need for women to have autonomy over decisions regarding childbirth, free from government interference. Her opinion diverges sharply from Donald Trump’s, who has frequently touted his role in nominating Supreme Court justices responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade, the 2022 ruling that dismantled federal protections for abortion rights. Since the ruling, at least 20 states, including Georgia, have enacted stringent abortion restrictions.
Abortion has become a pivotal issue in the closely contested presidential race, and the Harris campaign swiftly responded to Melania Trump’s statements. Kamala Harris's spokesperson, Sarafina Chitika, pointed out the stark contrast between the former first lady’s views and Donald Trump’s actions, accusing him of being responsible for laws that limit women’s reproductive rights. Chitika warned that if Donald Trump wins in November, he could pursue a nationwide abortion ban, further curtailing women's access to healthcare.
Donald Trump, however, addressed the issue during a Fox News interview, stating that while he encouraged his wife to express her views honestly, he acknowledged that opinions on abortion differ widely across the country. He emphasized that there are varying degrees of beliefs on the subject, ranging from hardline positions to more moderate views.
Melania Trump, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight during her husband’s current campaign, also posted a video on social media. Though she didn’t mention abortion directly, she spoke about the importance of individual freedom, calling it a "fundamental principle" that should not be compromised. Her comments, paired with classical music, appeared to reaffirm her belief in protecting women’s rights.
Her stance has provoked backlash from anti-abortion advocates. Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, expressed frustration over Melania’s timing and her deviation from the pro-life message that has been central to Donald Trump’s campaign. Hawkins argued that abortion contradicts the concept of empowerment, as it ends an innocent life.
Historically, Melania Trump is not the first Republican first lady to take a pro-choice stance. Previous first ladies like Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, and Laura Bush also supported abortion rights, though they did so after their time in the White House.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene rose to 227 on Saturday, as recovery efforts continued over a week after the powerful storm tore through the southeastern United States. Helene, which made landfall on September 26 as a Category 4 hurricane, wreaked havoc across six states, leaving behind widespread destruction. Homes were washed away, roads were obliterated, and millions were left without power and communication services.
On Friday, the death toll stood at 225, but two additional deaths were reported in South Carolina on Saturday. Officials are still unclear on how many people remain missing, and the number of fatalities could continue to climb. Helene now ranks as the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Approximately half of the victims were in North Carolina, while other deaths occurred in Georgia and South Carolina.
The city of Asheville in North Carolina was particularly hard-hit, with floodwaters from the French Broad River devastating businesses and homes. Workers are still in the process of cleaning up, using machinery to remove mud and debris. North Carolina residents have received over $27 million in federal disaster relief, with more than 83,000 people applying for assistance. In Buncombe County, where Asheville is located, over $12 million in aid has been distributed to survivors, according to FEMA regional administrator MaryAnn Tierney.
Tierney emphasized the importance of registering for disaster assistance, which provides immediate relief for essential needs, such as food, water, and medicine, and helps with displacement costs for those unable to return to their homes.
The impacts of Helene were felt far inland, including in the mountains of Tennessee, where iconic country music star Dolly Parton announced a $1 million donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a nonprofit organization aiding flood victims. Parton's businesses and the Dollywood Foundation will also contribute an additional $1 million, matching her initial donation. Parton expressed her deep connection to the mountain communities, noting how many of the victims grew up in areas similar to her own upbringing. She encouraged others to offer support during this challenging time.
Retail giant Walmart, through its subsidiaries Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation, also pledged $10 million to hurricane recovery efforts.
In Newport, Tennessee, residents continued their clean-up efforts on Saturday. The Pigeon River overflowed, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and public buildings, including City Hall and the police department. In nearby Del Rio, along the French Broad River, volunteers worked to clear fallen trees and debris, as homes sustained severe damage, with one house even sliding off its foundation.
As the region begins to recover, communities are relying on federal aid, donations, and local volunteer efforts to help them rebuild in the aftermath of this devastating storm.
China has successfully evacuated 215 of its citizens from Lebanon amidst escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli military has been conducting ground raids in southern Lebanon, a region largely controlled by Hezbollah, in response to the group's attacks in support of Hamas following the deadly October 7 assault on Israel. Since Israel began intensifying its strikes on September 23, more than 1,100 people have been killed in Lebanon, and over a million people have been displaced.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming that the evacuations were carried out in two phases and organized by the Chinese government. The Chinese Embassy in Lebanon remains operational, offering assistance and advising remaining Chinese nationals to take precautionary measures. The statement did not specify the destination of those evacuated.
The escalation of violence has prompted several other countries, including Russia, France, Germany, Spain, and the U.K., to evacuate their citizens from Lebanon as the situation becomes increasingly unstable. Israel has shifted its military focus to the northern border with Lebanon, where daily clashes have occurred since Hezbollah initiated strikes against Israel.
China has expressed deep concern over the growing instability in the region. On Wednesday, it called on world powers to prevent the situation from further deteriorating, following Iran's missile attacks on Israel. In response, Israel warned Tehran of severe consequences, indicating that it would retaliate against Iran for its involvement in the conflict.
Amid ongoing military operations and civilian evacuations, tensions in the region remain high, with no immediate resolution in sight. The evacuations highlight the urgent need for international intervention to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a broader regional war.
Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump escalated his trade rhetoric on Sunday, vowing to impose tariffs as high as 200% on vehicles imported from Mexico. Speaking at a rally in Juneau, Wisconsin, Trump warned of tough measures to protect the U.S. auto industry if re-elected, doubling his previous proposal of a 100% tariff. He emphasized that he would prevent foreign-made cars from flooding the U.S. market.
Trump's stance on trade and protectionism has been a central theme of his campaign, with Wisconsin—a critical swing state—being a key battleground. Recent polls indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, holds a slight lead in Wisconsin, a state that voted for President Joe Biden in 2020 after supporting Trump in 2016.
Both candidates are focusing heavily on swing states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, which are crucial to securing the electoral college. Harris has been actively campaigning in Wisconsin, recently appearing with former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney.
Trump’s tariff proposal could have significant economic consequences, particularly for the automotive industry. Mexico exported around 3 million vehicles to the U.S. in 2023, with the Detroit automakers accounting for a substantial portion of those exports. Experts caution that such tariffs could drive up vehicle prices, affecting both imports and domestic cars. The Tax Policy Center highlighted that large tariffs would likely increase the cost of all motor vehicles, including used cars.
Trump also used the rally to criticize the Biden administration's response to Hurricane Helene, which recently devastated parts of the southeastern U.S., resulting in 227 deaths. He labeled the response the worst in history, although his claims were not backed by evidence. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator Deanne Criswell defended the government's efforts earlier on Sunday, assuring the public that FEMA has sufficient resources for recovery operations and dismissing allegations of diverted funds as "ridiculous and false."
Florida is bracing for its largest evacuation since 2017 as Hurricane Milton intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico, with forecasts predicting it will make landfall as a major hurricane near the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday. This comes in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which already devastated parts of the state in late September.
Hurricane Milton, now a Category 1 storm with winds of 85 mph, is expected to strengthen further, possibly reaching Category 4 status. Florida’s emergency management director, Kevin Guthrie, has urged residents to prepare for widespread evacuations, especially in vulnerable areas along the western coast. Officials warn that Milton could exacerbate the damage caused by Helene, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis highlighting the risk of storm surges and debris-related destruction.
Pinellas County, which includes St. Petersburg, is preparing for mandatory evacuations affecting over 500,000 residents, along with the evacuation of hospitals and care facilities. Local authorities are also stressing the importance of heeding evacuation orders, noting that many ignored them during Hurricane Helene, which resulted in multiple deaths and overwhelming emergency services.
The region is still recovering from Helene, which caused catastrophic damage across several southern states and claimed over 200 lives, making it one of the deadliest storms to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Recovery efforts from Helene continue, with federal support, including 1,500 active-duty troops, and financial assistance totaling $137 million.
With the landfall of Hurricane Milton looming, Florida is on high alert, and authorities are mobilizing resources to prepare for what could be another devastating storm.
His plan is to make the federal government his plaything, and many Republican elites are behind him.
By Ryan Cooper
When Vladimir Putin came to power in Russia in 1999, he did not become dictator overnight. It took him many years to crush independent media, make the oligarch class dependent on him, and suppress organized political opposition (in part through multiple assassinations and imprisonments). That process of power consolidation has accelerated since the invasion of Ukraine, as the former “hybrid regime” with some tacit limited freedoms has become a full-blown autocracy.
Donald Trump is openly planning something similar, should he win the 2024 election. At The New York Times, Jonathan Swan, Charlie Savage, and Maggie Haberman have a report with frank admissions from a host of Trump associates that Trump is planning a political purge of the entire federal government, in order to bend it to his will. Given Trump’s history, it’s clear that should he become president again, he will try to set up a dictatorship.
When Trump first came to power, he had little idea of how the federal government worked or even what he wanted to do with it, much less how to bend it to his will. In his book The Fifth Risk, Michael Lewis recounted a scene after Trump had become the GOP nominee in 2016 when each party was setting up a transition team in case they prevailed. Chris Christie was in charge of the Republicans’ effort, and raised some money to figure out who could be nominated for what position, who’d vet their backgrounds, and so on.
Trump didn’t even know about the transition until “he read about it in the newspaper,” Lewis writes. Trump then summoned Christie to yell at him, saying something like, “You’re stealing my money! You’re stealing my fucking money! What the fuck is this?” (The quote, and the next one, seem to be a paraphrase.) When Christie explained that the transition process was legally obliged and funded in part with government money, Trump responded: “Fuck the law. I don’t give a fuck about the law. I want my fucking money.” The only way Steve Bannon could convince him not to shut down the transition was by arguing that cable news pundits would take it as evidence that Trump didn’t really think he could win.
That kind of attitude and general lack of knowledge help explain why Trump faceplanted on so many objectives, particularly early in his presidency. He would refuse to observe even the slightest legal niceties, follow proper bureaucratic procedure, or even shut his potty mouth for five seconds, thereby immediately running into trouble in the courts.
Eventually, Trump figured out how to get what he wanted. The answer was not to conform his acts to the existing system, but to break it. By issuing hundreds of executive orders, threatening those who stood in his way, and above all installing cronies throughout the executive branch and the judiciary, he could break through the procedures and norms that had constrained previous presidents (which turned out to be a lot more feeble than many assumed). By 2020, Presidential Personnel Office head John McEntee was running a plan to install Trump stooges throughout the federal bureaucracy even over the objections of Trump’s own Cabinet members.
This process culminated in the attempted putsch on January 6, 2021, which as usual was poorly planned and led, yet got alarmingly close to success nonetheless. For the first time in American history, a fascist mob sacked the national legislature and disrupted the process of transferring power—all under the direction of the losing president, who was trying to cling to power through violence. Ultimately, a bare handful of Republican officials refusing to go along with Trump’s attempt to steal the election preserved American democracy.
The Times report is characteristically stuffy about what is going on here. Yet the reporters got enough Trump cronies on the record to make the stakes abundantly clear. The plan is called Project 2025—a transition project started long in advance this time, with the explicit purpose of making the entire government beholden to Trump’s every whim. “There is no way to make the existing structure function in a conservative manner. It’s not enough to get the personnel right. What’s necessary is a complete system overhaul,” said McEntee. “What we’re trying to do is identify the pockets of independence and seize them,” said Trump’s former Office of Management chief Russell T. Vought. Institutional support comes from the Heritage Foundation; its president Kevin D. Roberts said: “The notion of independent federal agencies or federal employees who don’t answer to the president violates the very foundation of our democratic republic.”
Here we have a disgraced former president who attempted a coup d’état after losing the last election, and is also facing major legal jeopardy at the federal level and from multiple states. Quite possibly, the only way to avoid going to prison for the rest of his life is to become president again—and the only way to satisfy his craving for limitless money and power, and to inflict ruthless vengeance against his enemies, is to turn the presidency into a dictatorship.
Trump won’t necessarily succeed, even if he does win the election—it is unwise for a would-be autocrat to cultivate deep unpopularity among the armed forces, just for starters—but that is what he’s determined to do.
OBAMA’S REAL LEGACY: CREATING A DIVIDED AMERICA
By Liz Peek
The Fiscal Times
Finally, we know President Obama’s true legacy – a sore loser who wants to prolong his successful eight-year run of dividing Americans.
Photo:
Notwithstanding that voters just handed the president a convincing rebuke, The New York Times reports that Obama wants to join the many leftist organizations organizing to fight Donald Trump. He told a group of activists with Organizing for Action that he would join their efforts quite soon -- once he again becomes a private citizen. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, he said he felt “some responsibility to at least offer my counsel” to Democrats working to resist Trump.
Do Democrats want Obama’s counsel? Given that he has presided over a disastrous eight years, it seems unlikely. But then the party of Hillary and Obama is not burdened with introspection. They have looked far and wide for the reasons that a political neophyte interrupted the coronation of Hillary Clinton and have settled on sexism, racism, “fake” news stories and the conservative media. It is the rare voice that timorously points out that maybe voters didn’t want any more of what Democrats had to offer.
To be fair, and despite the popular impression to the contrary, it is not unprecedented for a former president to criticize his successor. Carter lambasted Bush2, Eisenhower complained about JFK’s domestic policies and Teddy Roosevelt called Taft a “puzzlewit” and “fathead”, laying to rest the notion that name-calling, too, is new to our age.
But Obama will go down as the only president in history to spend eight years vociferously criticizing both his predecessor and his successor. According to Obama, nearly every problem facing the nation, even in the eighth year of his presidency, can be ascribed to George W. Bush. The remainder can be blamed on Donald Trump. That is quite the legacy.
You have to wonder: has Obama ever considered that his party’s resounding defeat in the 2016 election was a referendum on his policies? That, just as in 2010 and 2014, voters decided they didn’t like Obamacare, the Iran deal, the sluggish economy, the liberal social agenda, the sluggish response to ISIS, the IRS scandal and his Justice Department’s slip-shod investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private server? That maybe he was wrong on some issues?
Whereas other presidents who have received a “shellacking” in midterm elections make adjustments or shake up their cabinets, Obama has never veered from the north star of his liberal righteousness. He never faltered in lauding Obamacare, skirting Congress, pushing amnesty for people who entered the country illegally, favoring Black Lives Matter, unilaterally imposing crushing environmental regulations and the numerous other unpopular policies that absorbed his attention.
When the people smacked him hard in the off-year elections, he and his acolytes attributed his shortcomings on a failure of messaging; if only people understoodObamacare better, the White House argued, they would come around to its wondrousness. As premiums rose and doctor choices shrank, he still did not admit its imperfections. When it turned out the Iran deal was foisted on a suspicious public through a series of lies, Obama maintained its virtues, even as many Americans knew better.
Obama has surrounded himself for eight years with people who tell him what he wants to hear – that his every idea is excellent. People who deviate from the script, like former Lt. General Michael Flynn who sounded unpleasant alarms about the threat of ISIS, find themselves out the door in quick order. Military leaders, in particular, have been culled by this president who, according to former Defense Secretaries Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, did not respect his armed forces’ chiefs and in fact rarely met with them.
Donald Trump has been criticized for saying he knows more than the Pentagon brass, and rightly so. But whereas that comment is typical Trump bravado, Obama apparently actually thinks he knows more than his generals and is not above telling them so. As Gates wrote in his memoir Duty, “The controlling nature of the Obama White House and the staff took micromanagement and operational meddling to a new level.”
Not only did Obama not take the advice of his military chiefs, he never even met with them. At a recent Congressional hearing, four top military figures testifying on national security were asked whether they had voiced concerns to Obama. Each one said no, they had never met the man. Flynn, recently appointed incoming National Security Advisor head by Trump, was fired in 2012 when he dared to disagree with Obama. Even though he headed the Defense Intelligence Agency, he never had an interview with the president.
The president is apparently unmoved by the gracious behavior of his predecessor George W. Bush, who rarely criticized President Obama despite the constant drubbing he received from his inexperienced successor. It is traditional that an outgoing president allows his successor some space; that apparently will not be Obama. He is so convinced that he is right, and that Trump is wrong – even before the latter gets rolling – that he will not disengage.
Shame on Obama. This country needs to heal after one of the most vicious elections in our history. Obama should take some responsibility for the divisions that have opened under his leadership. He should call off the demonstrators, and especially those breaking windows and torching cars, and explain how a democracy works. The country did not get to this place by itself; it is Obama’s policies that have angered voters and that lofted Trump to the Oval Office. It is time for Obama to leave the scene.
Written by Liz Peek.
Liz Peek (born January 10, 1949) is an American commentator and business analyst on the finance industry and government. Education: Peek graduated as a Durant scholar from Wellesley College with an Honors Degree.[1]
Career: Peek spent more than 20 years on Wall Street as a research analyst focused on the oil industry. She began working for Wertheim & Company in 1975 and in 1983, was one of the first women to become partner at a Wall Street investment firm.[2][3] She left Wall Street in 1990 to raise her children, but remained active as a commentator.[3] She has written for The Fiscal Times, Fox News,[4] the New York Sun, The Wall Street Journal, Alternate Universe, the Motley Fool, and Women on the Web and has appeared on Fox Business with Neil Cavuto and Fox & Friends.[5] Peek was the first woman elected president of the National Association of Petroleum Investment Analysts and was also a member of Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts.
In August 2012, she was named chair of the Board of Trustees of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a college in the State University of New York system. In February 2013, was awarded the statuette of a spool of thread award by FIT's Couture Council. Peek is also the executive vice president of the board of Women's Committee of the Central Park Conservancy and served as a board and executive committee member of the School of American Ballet. She is also chairperson of the fundraising organization for The Museum at FIT and member of the board of the FIT Foundation. (From Wikipedia).
Diễn Đàn Người Việt Hải Ngoại. Tự do ngôn luận, an toàn và uy tín. Vì một tương lai tươi đẹp cho các thế hệ Việt Nam hãy ghé thăm chúng tôi, hãy tâm sự với chúng tôi mỗi ngày, mỗi giờ và mỗi giây phút có thể. VietBF.Com Xin cám ơn các bạn, chúc tất cả các bạn vui vẻ và gặp nhiều may mắn.
Welcome to Vietnamese American Community, Vietnamese European, Canadian, Australian Forum, Vietnamese Overseas Forum. Freedom of speech, safety and prestige. For a beautiful future for Vietnamese generations, please visit us, talk to us every day, every hour and every moment possible. VietBF.Com Thank you all and good luck.
