### Trump to Survey Hurricane Damage in Georgia; Biden and Harris Also Set to Visit Impacted Areas

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit hurricane-ravaged regions in Georgia on Monday to assess the damage and deliver relief supplies. Fresh off a campaign rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, Trump’s visit underscores the importance of Georgia in the upcoming election. During his rally, Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting she should be on site addressing the hurricane's aftermath instead of attending other events.

Not only is Trump eyeing Georgia, but President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris also plan to visit affected areas. Biden has informed FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell of his intention to tour impacted communities as soon as his presence will not interfere with ongoing emergency operations. Similarly, the White House announced that Harris would visit the disaster zones when appropriate.

The situation presents a complex scenario, particularly for the southern states hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. Florida has reported 13 confirmed fatalities and is grappling with the third major hurricane in just over a year. Areas like Tampa Bay are facing severe storm surges, adding to the extensive devastation experienced across the Southeast United States. The attention from presidential hopefuls could indicate Florida’s significance in the upcoming elections.

Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt has not disclosed any plans to visit Florida, and the Harris campaign directed inquiries to the White House, which has yet to respond. In 2022, Biden visited Florida a week after Hurricane Ian, and in 2023, he traveled to the state three days after Hurricane Idalia, though Governor Ron DeSantis suggested the timing was disruptive to recovery efforts.

The political undertones are palpable as the 2024 campaign ramps up. Trump took aim at Harris for holding fundraising events in California rather than addressing the hurricane’s aftermath. On social media, the Harris campaign rebuffed the criticism, highlighting Trump’s controversial comments on climate change made during his rally.

Biden has already approved a major disaster declaration for 17 Florida counties, facilitating access to temporary housing assistance, grants, and low-interest loans for home repairs. This move underscores the administration's commitment to aiding recovery efforts. Over the weekend, FEMA Administrator Criswell appeared in press conferences with Governor DeSantis and Florida's emergency management director, Kevin Guthrie.

Governor DeSantis, who recently exited the presidential race, has also been actively involved in the state's recovery efforts, making multiple visits to storm-affected areas. While Helene may not be the deadliest or most destructive hurricane he has faced as governor, it presents significant challenges as he approaches his final two years in office, with his political influence in Florida possibly waning.

The response to Hurricane Helene is set to play a critical role in shaping political legacies and the public perception of leaders as they navigate the recovery process in an especially volatile election cycle.