Republican Leaders Praise Biden Administration's Hurricane Response, Contradicting Trump's Misinformation
ICARO Media Group
### Trump Misleads on Biden Administration's Hurricane Response
In a recent attempt to leverage the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene for political gain, former President Donald Trump inaccurately criticized the Biden administration's hurricane response efforts. Trump claimed on social media that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received unanimously poor evaluations for their management of the crisis, particularly in North Carolina. These statements have been proven incorrect.
In actuality, the Biden administration has received commendations from both Democratic and Republican leaders in the affected states. Although the response hasn't been without some critique and mixed feelings, Trump's assertion of entirely negative reviews is categorically false. This isn't the first instance of Trump spreading misinformation regarding the federal response to the hurricane.
Earlier in the week, Trump incorrectly suggested that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp hadn't been able to contact Biden, despite Kemp confirming that he had spoken to the President. Additionally, Trump baselessly accused the federal government and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper of neglecting Republican communities, a claim for which he provided no evidence.
Several Republican governors from southeastern states hit by Hurricane Helene have publicly praised the Biden administration's prompt and effective response. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster lauded the "superb" federal assistance, noting personal calls from both President Biden and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, as well as a call from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. He confirmed that South Carolina had received everything it asked for.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin echoed this sentiment, expressing his appreciation for the rapid FEMA response and cooperation during a Monday press conference. He specifically acknowledged President Biden's efforts in a press release focused on the matter.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee similarly commended the federal government's quick action in response to his emergency declaration, highlighting the swift process in making the state eligible for federal reimbursements. During a Tuesday conference, Lee depicted a unified effort spanning federal, state, and local levels, with visible commitment from emergency management agencies and local officials.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has been particularly appreciative, repeatedly recognizing the federal response. Sitting next to Biden during the President's visit to North Carolina, Cooper thanked Biden for the prompt approval of the major disaster declaration and continued support from FEMA.
Additionally, Asheville's Democratic Mayor Esther Manheimer underscored the substantial assistance coming from various sectors, including federal support, during an MSNBC interview. Despite the outpouring of aid, she cautioned that recovery would be a long-term endeavor.
This unanimous support from Republican leaders starkly contrasts Trump's portrayal of the situation, highlighting the misinformation in his recent claims about the Biden administration's hurricane response.