Jean-Pierre in 2024: FEMA Money for Migrants Is 'Categorically ... False.' Jean-Pierre in 2022: 'Funding Is Also Available Through FEMA' (October 4, 2024)

With Hurricane Helene’s damage across the South, a reporter asked the White House about a charge from Donald Trump. “Former President Trump is accusing the Biden administration of using FEMA funding to support undocumented migrants. How is the White House responding to that?” the reporter asked at the briefing on Oct. 4, 2024 [1].

“I mean, it’s just categorically fla- — false. It is not true. It is a false statement,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre answered, according to the official White House transcript. She pointed to a Washington Post fact-check headline: “No, Biden didn’t take FEMA relief money to use — to use on migrants – but Trump did.” [1]

Two years earlier, Jean-Pierre had stood at the same podium and pointed cities to FEMA money for migrants [2].

The video above shows both answers. Quotes are from the official White House transcripts, Fox News, Scripps News and the National Archives [1][2][3][4][5].

”Funding Is Also Available Through FEMA”

On Sept. 16, 2022, a reporter asked about migrants arriving in cities by bus. “I wanted to ask if the White House plans any legal responses for the state sending migrants on buses and, secondly, if there’s plans to reimburse those cities or provide funding for how they’re handling that.” [2]

“So, FEMA Regional Administrators have been meeting with city officials on site to coordinate — to coordinate available federal support from FEMA and other federal agencies,” Jean-Pierre said [2].

“Funding is also available through FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter program to eligible local governments and not- — not-for-profit organizations upon request to support humanitarian relief for migrants,” she said [2].

She called the busing “this latest political charade” by “Republican officials.” [2]

“What Exactly Is He Waiting For?”

The next question on Oct. 4 was whether FEMA had enough money for the storms. “Secretary Mayorkas had said earlier this week that he was concerned that FEMA didn’t have enough funding until the end — for the rest of the hurricane season,” a reporter said. “We heard him say at the podium he may have to call Congress back from recess — what exactly is he waiting for to be able to make that call?” [1]

Jean-Pierre blamed Republicans. “And if congressional Republicans were serious — if they were really, truly serious — about doing something for the communities that was impacted by Hurricane Helene, they would join us in calling for additional funding,” she said [1].

“Congressional Republicans need to get serious here, and they’re just not,” she said [1].

”Welcome to the Swimming Pool”

The briefing had opened with the President himself. “Hey, folks. My name is Joe Biden. (Laughter.)” the President said. A reporter said, “We’ve been waiting for you.” Biden answered: “Welcome to the swimming pool.” [1]

He was asked about his comments on Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities. “If I were in their shoes, I’d be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields,” Biden said. Asked how Israel should respond, he said: “That’s between me and them.” [1]

Biden used the visit to boast about the economy. “The nation has now created 16 million jobs since I’ve come to office, more jobs created in a single presidential term than at any time in American history,” he said. “Inflation has come way down.” He also said, “We’ve got more work to do though to keep getting — keep — to keep getting prices down.” [1]

“Housing for Illegal Immigrants”

FEMA did hand out money tied to migrants. Fox News reported that FEMA “administers money to the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), a government-funded program that provides assistance and housing for illegal immigrants released into the U.S.” [3]

Citing a City Hall spokesperson, Fox News reported that New York City had received funds “through the past week” that “were allocated by the Biden administration for the purpose of housing and supporting illegal immigrants.” The city said the money was not part of a disaster relief grant [3].

By the Numbers

$59.3 million: the FEMA-administered funds New York City received, per Fox News [3].
$19 million: the share for direct hotel costs [3].
4: FEMA employees fired over the payments [3].
312-226: the 2024 Electoral College result, Trump over Kamala Harris [5].
2 years: between Jean-Pierre’s two answers on FEMA and migrants [1][2].

What Happened Next

Trump’s team fired the officials behind the payments. In February 2025, the Department of Homeland Security told Fox News that “four employees are being fired today for circumventing leadership and unilaterally making the egregious payment for hotels for migrants in New York City.” [3]

“Firings include FEMA’s Chief Financial Officer, two program analysts and a grant specialist,” DHS said. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS will not sit idly and allow deep state activists to undermine the will and safety of the American people.” [3]

Elon Musk, who led the Department of Government Efficiency, had written: “The DOGE team just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants.” [3][4] Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton said the payments were suspended, Scripps News reported [4].

Voters chose Trump. A month after the briefing, Trump won the presidency. The National Archives lists the 2024 result as “Electoral Vote Winner: 312 Main Opponent: 226.” [5]

For FEMA and the White House after the Maui fires, see HYGO News’ page on Aug. 14, 2023. For the 2022 busing fight, see the page on Pelosi’s “pick the crops”.