Ohio Senator JD Vance has publicly criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s disaster management as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida, urging them to improve their response efforts. Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, asserts that the current administration’s handling of recent natural disasters has led to significant hardships, even referring to it as worse than during the Obama years.
In a sharp column for The Wall Street Journal, Vance expressed concern over the implications of Harris’s response to Hurricane Helene, noting its status as the deadliest storm since Katrina. He argues that the Southeastern communities, especially in Appalachia, are bearing the brunt of the administration’s mismanagement.
Vance pointed out the alleged neglect of disaster preparedness by the administration, contrasting it with the proactive measures taken during the Trump administration. He highlighted the slow response from the Defense Department in sending troops to impacted areas, calling it a critical oversight where “every second counts.”
“A capable leader would have acted faster, ignoring bureaucratic delays,” Vance asserted. He compared current efforts to Obama’s quick action following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, stating the former president’s administration was more effective in disaster response.
Addressing FEMA’s performance this hurricane season, Vance emphasized concerns that the agency has shifted its focus toward promoting mass migration over disaster relief, resulting in misplaced priorities under the current administration.
The fallout from Hurricanes Helene and Milton is already viewed as a potential “October Surprise,” influencing the November election landscape. Helene struck critical swing states like North Carolina and Georgia, where voters are closely divided between Trump and Harris.
Polling shows Trump gaining ground in these states since Helene made landfall, with his lead growing slightly in both Georgia and North Carolina. The storms may also hinder voting by closing election offices and complicating travel to polling places, which could disenfranchise voters if not swiftly addressed.
As Harris faces scrutiny over her hurricane responses, public perception will be crucial, especially if it mirrors Vance’s criticism. A recent YouGov poll suggests that 42 percent of respondents trust Trump more than Harris regarding disaster management, underscoring the potential impact of these events on the upcoming election.