In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, former President Donald Trump is once again criticizing the Biden administration’s response to the disaster. Speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, he compared the situation to Hurricane Katrina, calling it “the worst Hurricane Response by a president and vice president since Katrina” and directed his criticism particularly at Vice President Kamala Harris.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: In addition, this evening, we have to send our prayers and support to all the families affected by Hurricane Helene. This has been the worst Hurricane Response by a president and vice president since Katrina—and this is simply unacceptable… Kamala wined and… pic.twitter.com/dpztOttV4V
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 5, 2024
The death toll from Helene has risen to 227 across six states, making it the second-deadliest hurricane in recent history, following Katrina’s toll of 1,833 lives. North Carolina has been hit hardest, reporting 113 deaths, with South Carolina at 48 and other states like Georgia and Florida also affected. This escalating death toll has led to increased criticism of the federal government’s disaster response.
As reported by Politico, the hurricane’s occurrence in crucial swing states has raised its profile in the upcoming presidential election, compelling both campaigns to navigate the political ramifications carefully.
Trump has rapidly taken action, visiting affected regions ahead of Biden and Harris. During a recent meeting with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Trump thanked him for his support, a turn from his previous criticism.
In contrast, Vice President Harris visited Augusta, Georgia to discuss federal relief efforts, outlining immediate cash aid and ongoing funding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already provided over $10 million in assistance and distributed millions of meals and liters of water, but over 460,000 customers are still without power days after the storm.
The potential political consequences of Helene are significant. In North Carolina, nearly a million votes were cast in counties receiving FEMA assistance during the 2020 election. Likewise, Georgia’s FEMA-designated areas saw around 650,000 votes. With Trump leading by just a percentage point in polls from both states, the government’s relief efforts could indeed influence the upcoming election.
