CNN Panel Unleashes On Ex-Trump Spox’s Defense Of Trump’s ‘Lie’ FEMA Neglecting Republican Counties

CNN’s Thursday night panel unleashed on ex-Trump campaign spokesperson Marc Lotter’s apparent defense of former President Donald Trump’s claims that the federal government is diverting disaster relief from Republican communities after Hurricane Helene.

Since Hurricane Helene devastated areas across North Carolina last week, Trump has cast doubt on the federal response with a series of baseless claims.

He has falsely alleged that the government is deliberately sidelining communities that lean Republican, diverting vital resources toward migrants rather than addressing urgent disaster needs, and shortchanging hurricane survivors with meager relief payments of only $750. Critics argued that the claims distort the truth and undermine the efforts of officials working tirelessly to assist those affected.

Lotter argued that the debate over how funding is distributed is “as old as politics itself” and happens on “the state, the local, the federal levels.” He defended Trump’s idea that the sense of how money is being spent is relative before a confrontation with host Abby Phillip.

He began: “Every mayor candidate, governor’s candidate says: ‘You’re spending $100 million to build a super stadium for a pro sports team while our police and teachers.’”

Phillip challenged Lotter: “This is just not what we’re talking about. It’s really just not. I mean, actually, it’s actually not that hard to figure out. Trump says that they are not getting help in Republican areas. That is just false. It’s just false, and it’s not an opinion. It’s just a provably false thing. Well, so let’s just agree…”

“It’s a lie,” several other panelists added.

“Can we agree that that’s a lie?” Phillip asked Lotter.

“I would say, what do the people think?” he said.

The panelists erupted, requiring the host to step in to allow Lotter to speak.

He continued: “This is a lot like the economic argument we always have: ‘Oh, inflation comes down.’ [While citizens say] ‘I don’t feel like [it is]…’

Phillip interrupted: “Marc, Marc, Marc, hold on. Are people in Republican areas getting help from the government right now?

“State, federal, local, yes,” Lotter acknowledged.

Phillip continued: “Okay. So then, if you tell me that it’s true that they’re getting but people feel like they’re not, is it important for you to repeat the feeling that is not actually true? Or is it important to…”

Lotter replied: “No, if you are a victim of that storm and you don’t feel like you’ve gotten enough support or that’s a real thing to be able to say.”

Phillip shot back: “Trump is running on a lie that people are not getting help because they are Republicans. That’s not true.

Panelist Leigh McGowan said: “But, also, they feel that they’re not getting help as they’re being told no, by the president that

“The propaganda machine,” CNN’s Brian Stelter added.

McGowan agreed: “Exactly! They feel this way because you’re telling me this.”

Watch above on CNN.