President Donald Trump announced the approval of nearly $18 million in federal disaster assistance for Wisconsin following a tornado that occurred in July. The announcement was made on Truth Social on Wednesday. The President stated that the decision followed a conversation with Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), who is also the Republican candidate for governor.
The approval occurred one day after a CBS News report detailed the ongoing wait for federal aid in Menasha, Wisconsin. Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) had formally requested the assistance on August 26. The White House issued a statement on Wednesday denying that politics influenced the timing, stating that there is no politicization in disaster relief decisions and that the president responds to every request with consideration.
According to the National Weather Service, an EF-3 tornado struck Menasha in July, damaging or destroying more than 1,000 buildings along a 14-mile path. While no fatalities were reported, local residents and volunteers recently held a benefit concert to raise funds. Organizers noted that the state's disaster fund does not provide direct payments to residents for their losses, leaving the burden to local governments.
Residents in Menasha had been waiting for this federal intervention since the governor's August 26 request. A report cited an analysis of FEMA data indicating that, during the 2024 period, the administration approved 85% of disaster requests from states Trump won, compared to 46% from states won by Kamala Harris.
The next steps involve the distribution of these funds through FEMA to the state and local entities. The White House confirmed that the disaster declaration has been signed and Governor Evers has been notified. It is not yet reported exactly when individual residents will see direct payments or how the $18 million will be divided between public infrastructure projects and individual household grants. CBS News indicated it will follow up to monitor if residents are able to complete home reconstructions using the newly approved funds.