
Trump’s visit to Valdosta, post-Hurricane Helene, adds political fuel as he criticizes Biden and Harris’ response.
At a Glance
- Former President Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration’s response to Hurricane Helene.
- Trump launched a relief initiative partnering with Samaritan’s Purse and GoFundMe for victims.
- Biden and FEMA approved major disaster declarations for several states impacted by the hurricane.
- Kamala Harris promised aid to affected communities.
Trump’s Critique of the Federal Response
Visiting Valdosta, Georgia, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, former President Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their inadequate response to the disaster. Trump highlighted Harris’s focus on her abortion rights campaign and Biden’s leisure activities as evidence of their neglect. This critique comes amid political and public reactions questioning the current administration’s leadership during national emergencies.
During the visit, Trump called for cuts to federal agencies involved in disaster warnings and relief, supported by his followers. Trump expressed criticism of the federal government’s disaster response, claiming that it would be beneficial to downsize warning systems and divert some disaster relief funding to other pressing matters like the border crisis, as he did during his presidency. His remarks have further ignited debates over the federal government’s role and efficacy in disaster response.
Hurricane Helene has disrupted presidential campaigns, with Vice President Kamala Harris returning to Washington for briefings and former President Donald Trump touring storm-hit Valdosta, Georgia, where he falsely claimed the governor couldn't reach President Biden. Gov. Brian… pic.twitter.com/9OjVQ60P9d
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) September 30, 2024
Mixed Reactions to Trump’s Visit
While Trump’s visit was intended to provide relief and reassurance, it also stirred controversies. Local officials expressed concerns about the timing of his visit, fearing it might disrupt ongoing emergency operations. However, Trump emphasized his coordination efforts with various organizations, including a partnership with Samaritan’s Purse and a GoFundMe campaign for storm victims.
Trump’s commentary also included claims that the Biden administration and North Carolina’s Democratic governor were neglecting Republican areas. These assertions were challenged by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who stated that officials had rescued and supported over 1,400 people affected by the storm.
Trump criticized Biden for being in Rehoboth and Harris for being at CA fundraisers, saying they should be on the ground post-hurricane.
Then, Trump's campaign announced he'd visit storm-torn Georgia tomorrow.
Soon after Biden said he'd survey damage too.https://t.co/AUdaulnmla— Kimberly Leonard (@leonardkl) September 30, 2024
Responses from Biden and FEMA
Amid Trump’s criticisms, Biden approved major disaster declarations for Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. FEMA and other agencies, alongside private and nonprofit organizations, continue to respond to the disaster in at least seven states. Vice President Kamala Harris visited FEMA headquarters to pledge ongoing support for impacted communities.
The current administration’s actions, including FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell’s survey of damage in North Carolina, underline their commitment to disaster relief. However, debates over disaster response effectiveness and future readiness remain prominent, fueled by political and public discourse.
Sources:
- Trump slams US response to Helene. His own disaster-response record is marked by politics
- Trump makes false claims about federal response as he campaigns in area ravaged by Hurricane Helene
- Trump, No Stranger to Playing Storm Politics, Visits a Battered Georgia
- Trump falsely says Georgia’s governor was unable to talk to Biden about storm damage