Vice President Harris Criticizes Trump as Hurricane Milton Approaches Florida
In Washington, D.C., Vice President Kamala Harris spoke out on Monday about the ongoing misinformation surrounding the federal response to Hurricane Helene, which has wreaked havoc across several states. With just weeks to go until Election Day, the vice president took the opportunity to address the need for accurate information, especially as the new and threatening Hurricane Milton is on its way to Florida.
“Incredibly Irresponsible”
Harris didn’t hold back when calling out former President Donald Trump, labeling his comments as “incredibly irresponsible.” She emphasized that his spreading of falsehoods about disaster aid available to victims of Helene is more about him than the people who actually need help right now. “There’s a lot of mis- and disinformation being pushed out there by the former president about what is available, particularly to the survivors of Helene,” Harris told reporters just before taking off to New York on Air Force Two.
Casualties and Damage from Helene
The impact of Hurricane Helene has been devastating, claiming more than 220 lives across six states and leaving countless others in need of assistance. As the storm continues to affect communities, it’s crucial for victims to know the resources available to aid their recovery. “The reality is that FEMA has so many resources that are available to folks who desperately need them now,” Harris explained. She urged those affected to apply for aid, reminding them that these resources are designed specifically for emergencies like this.
Misleading Claims
In recent remarks, Trump mischaracterized the government’s actions, claiming falsely that the federal government was purposefully holding back aid for Republican disaster victims. He also noted, inaccurately, that FEMA had run out of funding due to improper allocations to immigrant programs. Harris countered these claims by affirming that FEMA has the resources necessary to support disaster recovery effectively.
Power Restoration Efforts
Switching gears to local recovery efforts, Georgia Power reported that they have restored electric service to an impressive 99% of customers impacted by the storm, although there remain pockets without power, including 9,783 customers in Augusta, where the city’s mayor himself is among the unpowered residents. Meanwhile, Trump made a visit to Valdosta, Georgia, where he accused President Joe Biden of being “asleep” during this crisis, despite Biden’s active communication with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
A Call for Focus
Harris also directed some of her criticism at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, implying that certain political maneuvers during this monumental crisis demonstrate a lack of responsibility. “Playing political games at this moment in these crisis situations… is utterly irresponsible,” she pointed out. Such comments sparked tension between Harris and DeSantis, the latter responding that he hadn’t been informed of any calls from the vice president and claimed that he was focused entirely on addressing his state’s needs.
Political Tensions Rise
DeSantis fired back at Harris’s remarks, calling her opinions “delusional” and stating that her involvement had not previously assisted hurricane recovery efforts during her three and a half years in office. He insisted that he has been in continual communication with both Biden and federal officials, dismissing Harris’s claims as nothing more than political posturing as they navigate their respective campaigns.
Looking Ahead
As hurricane season continues, the importance of clear communication and a focus on recovery efforts cannot be overstated. Both politicians and citizens alike are reminded that in times of natural disasters, the priority should remain on aiding those most in need. As Hurricane Milton approaches, communities prepare for potential impacts while staying hopeful that assistance will be streamlined and readily available for all who require it.
