Homeland Security Secretary Noem Claims 1 in 6 Lahaina Wildfire Survivors Traded Sexual Favors

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that one in six survivors of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires had to trade sexual favors for basic supplies, citing a report on Filipino female survivors. However, the report's co-author, Khara Jabola-Carolus, strongly criticized Noem's use of the data, calling it a gross manipulation and a misinterpretation that contradicts the report's call for increased FEMA funding to better address women's needs. The survey involved 70 Filipino women and found that 16% reported engaging in survival sex with landlords, employers, or acquaintances, but this was not representative of all wildfire survivors. Noem used the statistic to highlight what she described as decades of FEMA's mismanagement and negligence under the Biden administration, advocating for agency reform. This claim has been condemned by community leaders and experts as inaccurate and irresponsible politicization of a tragedy. Meanwhile, the Biden administration and FEMA defenders emphasize the need to improve disaster response rather than dismantle the agency.