Former President Donald Trump is making Hurricane Helene a major talking point in his 2024 campaign, planning a stop in storm-ravaged Georgia on Monday. He has heavily criticized the Biden administration’s response, with just weeks remaining until the November election.
During a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, Trump accused President Joe Biden of “sleeping” at his Delaware beach house and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for attending fundraising events in California during the disaster. Trump emphasized that “big parts of our country have been devastated by that massive hurricane,” aiming to draw attention to the administration’s handling of the crisis.
Hurricane Helene’s Devastation
At least 84 people have been confirmed dead due to Hurricane Helene, according to The Associated Press. The hurricane made landfall in Florida on Thursday and moved across the Southeast, causing millions of power outages and billions of dollars in property damage. Two swing states—Georgia and North Carolina—were among the most impacted.
The Trump campaign announced that the former president will receive a briefing about the storm in Valdosta, Georgia, on Monday. He will also distribute relief supplies and speak with reporters. Trump called out Harris during his rally, stating she “ought to be down in the area” where the storm hit.
Biden Administration’s Response
In response, President Biden has pledged to visit affected communities as soon as it won’t disrupt emergency operations. The White House said that both Biden and Harris have been briefed by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and have approved disaster declarations. Biden reassured the public, stating, “the road to recovery will be long,” but promised to spare no resources.
Biden returned to the White House Sunday afternoon after receiving briefings from Criswell at his beach house in Delaware, where he directed agencies to accelerate relief efforts, particularly in North Carolina, where residents remain stranded without electricity or cell service.
Trump’s Criticism of Harris and Biden
Trump’s attacks on Harris didn’t stop at her absence in storm-affected areas. He also mocked her for fundraising during a disaster and doubled down on his claims that the Biden-Harris administration is out of touch with the American people. These criticisms came just as early voting began in key states, with many Republicans urging Trump to focus on critical election issues.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, expressed his concerns on social media, saying that hurricane victims were “on my mind” and praising the first responders. He added that his heart “breaks to see the devastation” across the South.
A Political Battle Amid Natural Disasters
Natural disasters like Hurricane Helene often serve as a political litmus test for candidates’ leadership skills. How officials respond to crises can shape public perception, as seen with Trump’s own experience during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, which resulted in backlash after his controversial response. Trump’s visit to Georgia aims to showcase his commitment to helping affected Americans, while Harris and Biden’s visits are expected later this week.
With Election Day nearing, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s criticism of the Biden-Harris response to Hurricane Helene will resonate with voters.
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