Donald Trump once again voiced his dissatisfaction with the federal government’s handling of natural disasters that have ravaged the Southeastern United States, seemingly aiming to use the tropical weather situation to his political advantage.
During his remarks at the Detroit Economic Club on Thursday, Trump addressed the victims of Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. He commended the Republican governors of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina for their efforts but criticized the federal response in North Carolina, alleging it fell short following Helene. He accused the government of failing in its duties, stating that North Carolina “had not done what you’re supposed to be doing.”
“They’ve let those people suffer unjustly,” Trump said, continuing his narrative, which has included several days of pushing misleading statements about the actions of President Joe Biden and federal emergency officials.
In response, President Joe Biden did not hold back, expressing his frustration with Trump’s criticisms, which he characterized as untruths and deliberate misinformation.
Biden had a straightforward message for Trump: “Get a life, man.”
While discussing the aftermath of Hurricane Milton with reporters on Thursday, Biden made it clear he had no intention of calling Trump directly. However, when asked what he would say to Trump, Biden turned to the camera and delivered his pointed message.
“Mr. President Trump, former President Trump, get a life man,” Biden stated firmly. “Help these people.”
For days, the Biden administration has been actively countering Trump’s assertions, which they argue are false. Trump has claimed that federal disaster funds are being diverted to assist undocumented immigrants and that aid is limited to $750 per recipient. The White House strongly refuted these statements.
Biden emphasized the need for swift action from Congress to allocate more resources for disaster relief but stopped short of insisting lawmakers cut their recess short to address the issue immediately.
Speaking at a press conference about the federal response to Hurricane Milton’s damage, Biden highlighted the critical need for additional funding for the Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest loans to businesses impacted by the storms.
“I think, in terms of the SBA, it’s pretty right at the edge right now,” Biden noted. “And I think the Congress should be coming back and moving on emergency needs immediately.”
However, when asked if he would officially call for Congress to return from recess, Biden was noncommittal, responding, “I think Congress should move as rapidly as they can.”
During the same briefing, Biden confirmed that there were four deaths related to Hurricane Milton. This number contradicted an earlier statement by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who, in a separate virtual briefing, reported: “We have reports that at least ten individuals have lost their lives.”
When pressed for clarification, Mayorkas explained that the situation was still evolving, adding, “Our understanding is that those fatalities were caused by the tornados” linked to Milton.
{Matzav.com}