Trump to withhold disaster aid from cities, states that boycott Israel

The Trump administration on Monday announced that it would not distribute funding to prepare for natural disasters to cities and states that boycott Israel.

The administration has linked at least $1.9 billion to the boycott conditions, Reuters reported. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines now including the following statement under its anti-discrimination clause:

"Discriminatory prohibited boycott means refusing to deal, cutting commercial relations, or otherwise limiting commercial relations specifically with Israeli companies or with companies doing business in or with Israel or authorized by, licensed by, or organized under the laws of Israel to do business."

The announcement drew outrage from the political left and right. Podcaster Krystal Ball, for instance, posted that "Denying American victims of natural disasters aid if they are insufficiently supportive of Israel. Absolute insanity."

Former UFC/MMA fighter Jake Shields, a groyper-aligned Israel critic, asserted that "Trump will let Americans die if they don't pledge allegiance to Israel. This is an act of treason. Its time for MAGA to wake the fuck up and realize that Trump is an agent of Israel."

"I’ve never seen someone tank their legacy so fast. This is not America first and anyone advising him on this should be fired," wrote musician Alexandra Lains.

"So let me get this straight, the government takes OUR taxpayer dollars that are supposed to be used for OUR disasters and is now threatening to withhold it if Americans choose to boycott Israel?" posted conservative activist Savannah Hernandez. "Why is Israel even being considered when it comes to disaster aid for Americans?"

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.