**Harris Blasts Trump and DeSantis as Hurricane Milton Approaches Florida**

Vice President Kamala Harris called on Tampa, Florida residents to listen to local authorities and follow evacuation orders as Hurricane Milton, now a Category 4 storm, rapidly approaches. Harris didn't hold back in her criticism of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, labeling his refusal to take her calls as "utterly irresponsible."

Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force Two, Harris also condemned former President Donald Trump for spreading misinformation about the federal response to Hurricane Helene, which has already claimed more than 220 lives across six states. “It’s incredibly irresponsible,” Harris said, referring to Trump's false claims that the federal government is withholding aid from Republican disaster victims and that FEMA has run out of funds.

Emphasizing the availability of federal resources, Harris stated, “FEMA has so many resources that are available to folks who desperately need them now." She encouraged people affected by Helene and the upcoming storm to apply for the aid available to them. “People are entitled to these resources, and it is critically important that they apply for the help that is there to support them.”

Harris also lambasted Gov. DeSantis for what she described as "playing political games" in the aftermath of Helene. Her office claimed that she had attempted to make contact with DeSantis, who responded by saying he was unaware of her call. “People are in desperate need of support right now and playing political games at this moment in these crisis situations is utterly irresponsible,” Harris stated.

Later, President Biden spoke with DeSantis about preparations for Hurricane Milton, assuring him that he could call directly if further support was needed. Responding to Harris’s comments, DeSantis told Fox News’s Sean Hannity, “She has no role in this and has never contributed anything to any of these efforts.” He accused Harris of politicizing the situation, arguing that he has been focused on aiding the people of Florida.

As Milton continues its path toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, the political fallout between these top officials adds another layer to the state’s urgent preparations.