In a heated response to former President Donald Trump’s recent claims regarding Hurricane Helene, President Joe Biden expressed both frustration and concern during a press briefing. Trump had asserted that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp was unable to contact Biden for assistance amid the ongoing recovery efforts from the hurricane, suggesting a lack of federal support. However, Kemp clarified that he had spoken with Biden just a day prior(POLITICO)(PolitiFact).
Biden, visibly agitated by Trump’s statements, remarked, “He’s lying. I don’t know why he does this,” emphasizing that misinformation during a disaster can undermine the needs of those affected. “I care what he communicates to the people that are in need,” Biden added, highlighting the serious implications of Trump’s words for individuals struggling in the wake of the storm(POLITICO)(PolitiFact).
As Biden prepares to visit North Carolina to assess the hurricane’s damage, he reiterated the federal government’s commitment to disaster relief. He noted that while Trump criticized his weekend trip to Delaware, he remained engaged in recovery efforts, stating, “I was on the phone the whole time”(POLITICO)(PolitiFact). Biden’s comments reflect a broader strategy to combat the politicization of natural disasters, as he aims to reassure the public of the administration’s dedication to recovery efforts(PolitiFact).