Biden Condemns Trump’s Hurricane Misinformation, Sparking Heated Exchange
President Joe Biden launched a scathing attack on former President Donald Trump on Thursday, accusing him of spreading misinformation about the federal government’s response to the devastating hurricanes that recently ravaged the Southeast. During a White House briefing on Hurricane Milton’s impact, Biden responded with incredulity when asked if he had spoken to Trump about the situation. "Are you kidding me?" Biden retorted. "Mr. President Trump, former President Trump, get a life, man. Help these people." Biden’s sharp rebuke came amidst growing concerns over the spread of false information regarding federal aid for hurricane victims, with the president directly linking Trump’s rhetoric to threats against aid workers on the ground.
The misinformation campaign, which has proliferated on social media platforms, includes false claims that individuals are only eligible for $750 in aid, that FEMA funds are being diverted to support migrants, and that the government intends to seize victims’ properties. These rumors, categorically denied by the White House and federal agencies, have created confusion and distrust among those struggling to recover from the storms. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas echoed Biden’s concerns, highlighting the dangerous consequences of online hate speech and misinformation. Mayorkas stressed the need to combat such rhetoric, pointing to its potential to incite violence and harm those involved in the recovery efforts. He denounced the spread of "horrific hate speech" online, emphasizing its detrimental impact on people’s lives and its potential to motivate harmful actions.
The White House and other administration officials have mounted a forceful campaign to debunk the false claims circulating about FEMA aid. They have emphasized that the $750 figure represents only the initial immediate assistance available to eligible survivors, with additional funds available for home repairs, temporary housing, and other storm-related expenses. They have categorically denied that any FEMA funds are being used to assist migrants, reiterating that the agency’s resources are solely dedicated to supporting hurricane victims. Furthermore, they have dismissed claims of property seizures as baseless fabrications designed to sow fear and distrust.
Beyond the immediate financial assistance, officials highlighted the comprehensive nature of FEMA’s aid, which extends to supporting individuals and communities in their long-term recovery efforts. This includes grants for home repairs and temporary housing, as well as programs to address mental health needs and provide ongoing support to those impacted by the storms. The administration emphasized its commitment to holding accountable those who attempt to exploit the disaster for personal gain, pledging to prosecute individuals engaged in price gouging, scams, or other fraudulent activities targeting hurricane victims.
The exchange between Biden and Trump highlights the heightened political tensions amidst the ongoing recovery efforts. While Biden has urged unity and cooperation, his forceful condemnation of Trump’s actions suggests a growing frustration with the politicization of the disaster relief efforts. The President’s call for the press to hold Trump accountable further underscores the administration’s belief that the spread of misinformation poses a serious threat to the recovery process. Biden, while expressing confidence that the public will ultimately hold Trump accountable, placed the onus on the media to expose the falsehoods and ensure accurate information reaches those affected by the storms. He rejected the idea of engaging directly with Trump on the matter, signaling his unwillingness to dignify the misinformation campaign with a direct response.
The back-to-back storms, Helene and Milton, have left a trail of devastation across the Southeast, claiming over 230 lives and displacing hundreds of thousands. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the storms have left a mark on several states, including Florida, where at least 10 fatalities have been confirmed and millions were left without power. President Biden spent Thursday morning engaging with local officials and lawmakers, including Florida Senator Rick Scott and Representative Anna Paulina Luna, to coordinate relief efforts and address the immediate needs of those impacted by the storms. Ironically, Luna herself has been a prominent source of misinformation regarding FEMA aid and the alleged diversion of funds to migrants. Despite Biden’s direct engagement, Luna continued to spread falsehoods, prompting swift rebukes from the White House. The incident underscores the challenges faced by the administration in combating misinformation and ensuring accurate information reaches those most in need. The White House continues to emphasize the importance of relying on official sources for information regarding FEMA aid and to disregard the rumors circulating online.
