The U.S. has announced $157 million in humanitarian support to tackle the “crisis in Lebanon” and assist those impacted by it.
In a statement released Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the “nearly $157 million” will be directed towards addressing both new and ongoing needs for displaced individuals and refugees within Lebanon.
“The United States will provide nearly $157 million in new U.S. humanitarian assistance to support populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and the region,” Blinken stated.
“This funding will address new and existing needs of internally displaced persons and refugee populations inside Lebanon and the communities that host them. The assistance will also support those fleeing to neighboring Syria.”
This announcement coincides with Israel’s ongoing military actions against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
“The U.S. is at the forefront of humanitarian response to the growing crisis in Lebanon, announcing nearly $157 million in assistance today,” he tweeted on Friday.
“We are committed to supporting those in need and delivering essential aid to displaced civilians, refugees and the communities hosting them.”
At the same time, Hurricane Helene has ravaged communities in Western North Carolina and four other states.
Meanwhile, DHS head Alejandro Mayorkas revealed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has depleted its resources after spending substantial sums caring for undocumented immigrants nationwide.
“We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have,” Mayorkas indicated.
“We are expecting another hurricane hitting. We do not have the funds. FEMA does not have the finds to make it through the season.”
However, three months ago, Mayorkas touted how the agency was “tremendously prepared” for natural disasters across the country.
Last year, the border situation was estimated to have cost U.S. taxpayers $200 billion, with an additional $400 billion incurred this year.
These figures exclude the expenses that state governments bear as the migrant issue escalates at home, which is pegged at $150.7 billion.
Former President Trump lambasted the Biden-Harris administration on Thursday, accusing them of misappropriating FEMA funds to house illegal immigrants.
Trump didn’t hold back, criticizing the administration’s handling of Hurricane Helene—now claiming over 200 lives—as “the worst response in the history of hurricanes.”
“If you want to see how sick and distorted Kamala Harris’ priorities are, just consider FEMA,” Trump suggested, pointing to the $1.4 billion from FEMA used over two years to shelter migrants.
“Kamala spent all her FEMA money, billions of dollars, on housing for illegal migrants, many of whom should not be in our country.”
“Now we have a horrific disaster in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and Virginia,” he pointed out. “And the Harris-Biden administration says they don’t have any money…they spent it all on illegal migrants.”
Trump also condemned the allocation of funds for migrants while homeless veterans remain unsupported.
“They stole the FEMA money just like they stole it from the bank, so they could give it to their illegal immigrants that they want to have vote for them this season,” he Trump added.
