Overview

• At a July 9 FEMA review meeting, Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that one in six Lahaina wildfire survivors traded sexual favors for supplies due to inadequate federal aid.
• Researchers led by Khara Jabola-Carolus say Noem’s remarks constitute a gross manipulation of their Tagnawa study.
• The May report surveyed 70 Filipino female wildfire survivors and found 16 percent engaged in survival sex, urging targeted improvements in disaster relief for women.
• When asked for evidence, the Department of Homeland Security pointed to a May press release linking to the study instead of a direct citation.
• Noem also faces scrutiny over cost-cutting FEMA directives that delayed urban search-and-rescue teams during recent Central Texas flooding.