Ron DeSantis sets the record straight about President Biden’s Hurricane Milton response

In a time when natural disasters like hurricanes struck the U.S., unity across political lines was the norm. People came together to support one another, prioritizing urgent assistance over partisan squabbles. However, since Donald Trump emerged as a dominant force in politics, this spirit of cooperation has been overshadowed by divisive rhetoric and opportunism, even in the face of disasters like Hurricane Helene.

As the hurricane approached, Trump seized the moment to discredit his political opponents, claiming, “The White House is doing nothing. They’ve abandoned us. And it’s largely a Republican area.” While it’s true that the affected region is predominantly Republican, the rest of his statement is filled with inaccuracies. This led to backlash not just from Democrats but also from Republican leaders, including governors from South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, who praised the federal government’s response to the crisis.

Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, who has had a contentious relationship with Trump, found himself in a position where he had to acknowledge the support he received from President Biden. He admitted that his requests for assistance had been approved and even that he received calls from Vice President Kamala Harris, although he claimed he didn’t recognize her number.

In a statement, Harris criticized the politicization of the crisis, emphasizing that it was irresponsible to play political games during emergencies. DeSantis, on the defensive, dismissed Harris’s role, claiming she had not contributed to disaster responses during her tenure.

Yet, in a surprising turn, DeSantis seemed to momentarily set aside his political animosity in favor of the truth—a stark contrast to Trump’s persistent denial and misinformation. The White House issued a statement highlighting its commitment to disaster response, refuting Trump’s claims, and stressing the dangers of misinformation, especially during emergencies.

FEMA’s chief, Deanne Criswell, reinforced the message that misleading statements can undermine relief efforts and erode public trust. She pointed out that disinformation can discourage individuals from seeking critical assistance, which is vital in the wake of a disaster.

As the situation evolves, the focus remains on ensuring those affected by Hurricane Helene receive the help they need. For individuals impacted by the hurricanes, resources are available through FEMA, urging them to seek assistance and combat the misinformation that could hinder recovery efforts.