Vice President Kamala Harris has criticized former President Donald Trump for spreading misinformation regarding the federal response to Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, labeling his actions as “incredibly irresponsible.” Her remarks came as another storm, Category 5 Hurricane Milton, threatens Florida just weeks before Election Day. Harris condemned Trump’s false claims of aid withholding and mismanagement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the wake of Helene, underscoring the availability of resources for those in need.
With the death toll from Helene surpassing 220 across six states, Harris highlighted the crucial role of FEMA resources in supporting disaster survivors. She emphasized the importance of affected individuals applying for available assistance to rebuild their lives. Additionally, Harris called out Trump’s inaccurate statements about President Joe Biden’s response to the crisis, affirming that Biden had communicated with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to address the situation truthfully.
Harris also scrutinized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for engaging in what she characterized as political maneuvers amid the hurricane aftermath. While Harris’s office reported outreach attempts to DeSantis post-Helene, DeSantis claimed ignorance of such communication. Harris criticized DeSantis for prioritizing politics over urgently needed support for residents in crisis situations, stressing the governor’s responsibility to put people first.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre raised concerns over DeSantis’ absence during a tour of Helene damage with President Biden, underscoring the importance of elected officials responding promptly to offers of federal assistance. The exchange between Harris and DeSantis underscores the ongoing debate over the appropriateness of political engagements in the face of immediate humanitarian needs during natural disasters.
