President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will approve nearly $18 million to assist with recovery efforts following the severe storms that devastated communities across Wisconsin.
In a post on his Truth Social account, the president said he will approve “17.9 Million Dollars for the Severe Storms and Tornadoes that Wisconsin has experienced,” adding that “the people are tough and smart, and will come back stronger than ever."
Gov. Tony Evers first formally requested federal assistance at the end of August for residents in Winnebago, Outagamie, Vilas and Forest counties.
President Trump did not specify where the funding would come from or if it would go toward public-sector damage or residential property damage. Joint assessments by Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA found a combined $22.2 million in damages, according to the governor's office.
Evers responds
"Wisconsinites will believe it when we see it," Gov. Evers wrote in a post on X reacting to Trump's Truth Social post. "Clearly, President Trump and Congressman Tiffany are continuing to play politics with emergency aid that’s meant to help communities recover in the wake of disasters like tornadoes and floods. That’s Complete and Total B***shit."
Tiffany responds
In a statement to NBC 26, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany said, "Securing federal aid for the severe storms that devastated communities across Wisconsin, particularly in the Fox Valley, has been a top priority of mine."
He added that he has been in regular contact with the Trump administration and that on Wednesday, the president called to let him know of the funding approval.
"I appreciate the administration responding to Wisconsin’s needs. Wisconsin is strong, our people are resilient, and I will work with anyone to make sure our communities have everything they need to recover and rebuild," Tiffany said.
