Fact-Checking Trump's Rumor Of Free Lodging During Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton loomed near Florida's coast in October 2024, a rumor spread like wildfire across social media platforms. Users claimed that former President Donald Trump was offering free lodging at his timeshare properties, including the famous Mar-a-Lago Club, to displaced supporters fleeing the storm. This assertion, however, was quickly identified as a fabrication, drawing interest and scrutiny from both supporters and skeptics alike.

The Associated Press reported on October 9 that many counties in Florida had been issued mandatory evacuation orders as the hurricane approached. In the midst of this chaos, the rumor gained traction on platforms like Facebook, Threads, TikTok, and X, with a sensational claim stating, “BREAKING: Trump offers free lodging at any of his timeshares (including Mar-a-Lago) to all displaced Trumpers as Milton approaches.” Many who shared this claim appeared to do so in jest, amplifying its reach.

In an interesting twist, a popular user on X, known as @theliamnissan, shared a post that highlighted the rumor. He included a screenshot from another user, @gailendavid, who had originally posted the claim, commenting, “Wow, that’s so generous.” This post quickly garnered over 4,800 likes and 80,000 views, showcasing the power of social media to amplify information—even if it is misleading.

Unpacking the Rumor: What Really Happened?

Despite the widespread circulation of the rumor, it was later revealed that the original post from @gailendavid had actually been cropped. The complete text read, “Note: Let’s see how Trump likes it when misinformation flows his way for a change.” This additional context transformed the claim from a generous offer into a critique of misinformation, leading to the conclusion that the rumor was indeed a fabrication.

This incident highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially during times of crisis when accurate information is vital. As a result of this analysis, fact-checkers rated the claim as false, reminding social media users of their responsibility to discern fact from fiction.

Trump's Actions During Hurricane Milton: The Reality

In a separate but related event, Eric Trump, the former president's son, posted on October 9 that the Trump National Doral Miami resort was hosting 275 linemen from Florida Power & Light, a utility company, as part of their relief efforts. However, it was unclear whether the linemen were receiving free accommodations or if they were being charged.

This situation reinforces the need for clarity and transparency in communication, especially amidst a natural disaster when many rely on accurate information for safety and support. It’s essential to verify claims about public figures and their actions during such critical times.

For additional context, there was another rumor circulating prior to Hurricane Milton's landfall, which falsely claimed that an official from the Federal Emergency Management Agency stated they planned to execute 70,000 to 80,000 people. This further illustrates the chaos in misinformation that can arise during emergencies.

Jordan Liles is a Senior Reporter who has been with Snopes since 2016.

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