The DSR Network The Daily Blast: Trump Nixing of Dem State Disaster Aid Backfires, Screwing MAGA Voters
Oct 27, 2025
Joining the discussion is Steve Benen, a respected MSNBC writer and author of *Ministry of Truth*. He dives deep into the political machinations behind Trump's selective disaster aid decisions, emphasizing how they serve as rewards for supporters and punishments for opponents. Notably, Benen highlights the impact on rural Trump-voting counties in Maryland, revealing a disconnect that could backfire on GOP support. The conversation also probes into the broader implications of MAGA ideology and the potential backlash from disillusioned voters.
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Disaster Aid Follows Electoral Map
- Trump approved disaster aid for red states and denied it to blue states in ways that align with his electoral wins.
- Steve Benen argues this pattern is overt political favoritism rather than coincidence.
Punishing Blue States Harms Trump Voters
- Maryland's denied aid mainly affects two Appalachian counties that strongly voted for Trump.
- Benen and Sargent note this shows Trump harms his own voters when he punishes blue states.
Western Maryland Hit Trump Country Hard
- Greg Sargent recounts that Garrett and Allegany counties in Western Maryland are deeply Trump country.
- He notes these counties suffered severe flash flooding, road closures, evacuations, and ongoing impacts.
