President Trump and Republicans in Congress threaten to use disaster aid as a political bargaining chip to pass tax breaks for the ultra-rich

Iowa – President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have suggested that they may use disaster relief for the victims of California’s devastating wildfires as leverage to pass their reconciliation bill that would include huge tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and corporations. 

This maneuver threatens to hold essential aid hostage in order to advance an agenda that includes massive cuts to crucial programs working families and vulnerable communities rely on. 

Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn has voiced support for adding conditions to federal aid going to California, which would set a dangerous precedent, especially as communities in the third district relied on unconditional disaster aid when a devastating tornado hit the town of Greenfield last year. 

Susie Oleson, a Greenfield, Iowa resident, says that this move displays a clear willingness to prioritize the ultra-rich and wealthy corporations over working families. Greenfield was hit by a devastating tornado on May 21, 2024, that left the small town in need of critical aid. 

“I never imagined a tornado could strike my town—but it did. It’s a reminder that no community is immune to disaster,” Oleson said. “For those who want to use Californians’ suffering to achieve political goals, I urge you to reconsider. Your town, your city, or your state could be next. When Greenfield needed federal assistance to rebuild, it arrived without strings attached—and we were deeply grateful. Zach Nunn should understand how critical this kind of aid is for communities recovering from disasters and he must reject his party’s shameful efforts to use aid for those devastated by the California wildfires as leverage to pass more tax cuts for billionaires. Compassion, not conditions, should guide our response to disaster.”