Disaster relief funding is creeping into Trump's midterm rhetoric. Critics say it has no place there

What happened: Trump has tied disaster relief funding to midterm campaigning, approving declarations in battleground states and linking endorsements to aid announcements as a major hurricane nears the Gulf Coast. Key numbers: $17.9 million in disaster funds pledged to Wisconsin. Why it matters: Critics, including disaster survivor advocates and a former FEMA spokesperson, say the moves politicize recovery and erode trust in the disaster management system. The White House denies politicization.

Trump has tied disaster relief funding to midterm campaigning, approving declarations in battleground states and linking endorsements to aid announcements as a major hurricane nears the Gulf Coast.

Critics, including disaster survivor advocates and a former FEMA spokesperson, say the moves politicize recovery and erode trust in the disaster management system. The White House denies politicization.