Where are Miami’s billionaires now that Trump administration defunded local charity? | Opinion

What’s a few dollars?

Re: the April 16 Miami Herald front page story, “Amid quarrel with Pope, Trump strips Miami charity of funding for migrant kids.” Our exalted ruler in Washington, D.C. has decided that $11 million is too much to spend on hundreds of migrant children and families in South Florida.

Is this a fiscally prudent move or one driven by spite and animosity?

By my rudimentary conservative calculations, $11 million is the amount of interest earned on $1 billion every 10 days.

Can one of our new Florida multi-billionaires step up and save these children?

Wait 15 days and you will still be able to afford that $150 million mansion.

David Halpern,

Miami

Triggered Trump

President Trump has decided to strip a Miami charity of $11 million meant for migrant children. This shows how far he will go to pursue those who disagree with him.

Pope Leo seems to enrage Trump so much that he lashes out at children? How can we have any respect for this president? How can we believe any action he takes will provide a better society for us?

Nancy Cogen,

Miami

Back off, Leo

Where was the Pope when Iran killed thousands of protesters? Where was he when Iran’s proxies attacked and kidnapped hundreds of Israelis and killed many?

Where is the Pope while Iran continues to want to enrich uranium to develop nuclear weapons to attack Israel and has, for 47 years, repeated “Death to America” and “Death to Israel?”

This proves the Pope is like many from Chicago, with Trump Derangement Syndrome, and should refrain for siding with killers and terrorists.

Tony Bello,

Coral Gables

Migrant aid cut

After reading Archbishop Thomas Wenski’s April 15 op-ed, “Miami archbishop: ‘Baffling’ Trump move abandons legacy migrant kids program,” one thing seemed to be missing.

Wenski mentioned that the backbone of the program began under Monsignor Bryant O. Walsh who “helped resettle some 14,000 Cuban children sent alone to this country by desperate parents seeking to protect them from communist indoctrination.”

He didn’t mention, however, that about 70% of Cuban Americans in Florida voted for President Trump in 2024, according to NBC News. Perhaps a quote from a Cuban American who voted for Trump and whose family is also impacted by the cut was needed.

I grew up in Miami, specifically around Palmetto Bay. I’ve been around Cuban culture for a long time. Some of my best friends were Cubans who depended on government assistance.

With the government departing from programs like this one, Miami may start seeing a decline not only in culture but also the Cuban population.

Jordan Bankston,

High Point, NC

Who’s incompetent?

Re: April 15 article, “Trump threatens to fire Powell if he doesn’t exit the Fed.” President Trump had no intention of ending the investigation of central bank leader Jerome Powell.

Trump then stated, “Whether it’s incompetence, corruption or both.”

Was Trump speaking about himself?

Hmm…

Janet Weller,

Coral Springs

Trump’s abyss

Every day, it seems President Trump can’t go any lower. Then he does.

His treatment of Pope Leo is disgusting. When will Republicans say, “Enough?”

Trump has embarrassed this entire country.

Carole Hamilton,

Miami

Protecting Miami

As a Miami resident and college student, I see the dual reality of our city daily: vibrant growth shadowed by the increasing frequency of “sunny day” flooding. While our skyline expands, the local ecosystems that protect us, like our native mangroves and the West Indian Mahogany, are often sidelined for concrete development.

We must shift our local priority toward aggressive, science-based sustainability. Investing in green infrastructure is no longer a choice; it is a necessity for our survival. Beyond government action, we need to foster a culture of civic science where residents are engaged in monitoring local air and water quality.

Addressing environmental pollutants isn’t just about saving nature — it’s about preserving the economic and social fabric of South Florida. Our proximity to the coast makes us the “ground zero” for climate change. We have an opportunity to lead the nation in urban resilience, but only if we value our natural resources as much as our real estate.

Let’s choose to build a Miami that is not only beautiful but sustainable for the generations of students and families who will call this city home long after the tide rises.

Alexander Landaeta,

Miami

Cash crunch

Costs for rent, food and everyday expenses in Miami have increased significantly, making it difficult for many people, especially students and working families, to keep up. As a student balancing school and work, I see firsthand how these financial pressures affect not only me but also my peers and coworkers.

While Miami continues to grow and attract new residents, the needs of longtime community members should not be ignored. Many essential workers, including those in restaurants, retail and service jobs, are being pushed out of the very city they help sustain. This creates instability not only for individuals but also for the local economy.

Local leaders should prioritize affordable housing initiatives, fair wages and resources that support working students. Without meaningful action, Miami risks becoming a city that is only accessible to the wealthy, leaving behind those who contribute to its culture and workforce.

Roni Gonzalez,

Homestead

Take a stand

On April 11, we attended an open discussion on how to advocate for freedom and justice with Miami Herald columnist Bea Hines and FIU history professor Marvin Dunn. Both are long-term civil rights activists and authors. The discussion, organized by The Macedonian Missionary Baptist Church, We The People of 305 and the Women’s Club of Coconut Grove, was well attended. Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins briefly spoke about fighting the politics of hate.

We are bombarded daily with horrific news. Billions of dollars per day are poured into wars that are not authorized by Congress. Our governor routinely celebrates and laughs about creating Alligator Alcatraz, champions mid-year gerrymandering, voting restrictions, threatens to expel protesting students and outlaws rainbow crosswalks.

Those of us who grew up struggling for civil rights and an end to the Vietnam War recognize today’s backsliding and dangerous times.

Regardless of political party or age, it is time to link arms once again and fight with the same peaceful strength and resolve shown by those who came before us and are still with us.

The forum and the speakers reminded us of what it takes to stand up to the politics of hate and how to win.

John Dolson Dolson,

Coconut Grove