### Biden Addresses Storm Misinformation and Federal Response

President Joe Biden asserted on Friday that his administration is successfully confronting misinformation about the federal response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. He emphasized that the dissemination of false claims has hindered relief efforts but believes that "breaking through with the truth" is essential in overcoming these challenges.

During a meeting at the White House with Vice President Kamala Harris, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and other officials, Biden discussed the impacts of the hurricanes on regions such as Florida and North Carolina. The discussion included plans for Biden’s upcoming visit to Florida on Sunday to survey the damages caused by Hurricane Milton, which recently hit as a Category 3 storm, resulting in 16 fatalities and widespread power outages.

Biden also took the opportunity to reiterate his criticisms of former President Donald Trump, attributing part of the misinformation surge to him, though acknowledging that Trump isn’t the sole cause. Nevertheless, Biden referred to Trump as having "the biggest mouth" in spreading such claims. He underscored the need for bipartisan cooperation to secure additional disaster aid funding, although he has yet to discuss the matter directly with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Mayorkas assured that FEMA has the resources to address immediate needs but echoed Biden's concerns about depleted funds for the Small Business Administration's disaster loan program. Biden urged lawmakers to return to Washington to address this funding issue urgently.

Having already inspected storm damage in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida after Hurricane Helene, which claimed over 230 lives, Biden stated that he has been in communication with several state and local officials, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. He mentioned that DeSantis has been very cooperative and expressed willingness to meet with him during his trip, provided the governor is available.

The Biden administration has been actively countering false claims regarding federal aid, with the president and Mayorkas noting that misinformation has not only impeded FEMA activities but has also led to threats against responders. Addressing the potential normalization of misinformation, Biden expressed hope that the nation would rise above the extremism that fuels such deceit.

Biden concluded by commending Republican mayors and state officials for their efforts to dispel falsehoods and emphasized the importance of unity in crisis situations. He voiced concern for vulnerable individuals affected by these disasters, who often face these challenges alone. Biden reiterated his belief that spreading lies to undermine opposition will ultimately incur consequences.