In a recent interview on ABC’s “The View,” Vice President Kamala Harris expressed deep concern over former President Donald Trump’s response to Hurricane Helene, accusing him of prioritizing politics over the needs of the people affected by the disaster.
Harris’s remarks come as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, intensifying fears for communities still reeling from Helene’s devastation.
Trump has criticized the federal response to Hurricane Helene, alleging without evidence that the Biden administration is redirecting disaster relief funds to unrelated migrant programs.
However, officials clarify that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages separate accounts for disaster relief and migrant assistance.
Harris emphasized the human toll of the hurricanes, noting that at least 235 lives have been lost due to Helene.
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As Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified, reaching Category 5 status, Harris described her visits to affected areas in Georgia and North Carolina, where she witnessed the “pain” and “shock” of residents facing profound loss.
“It’s profound, and it is the height of irresponsibility and frankly callousness,” Harris stated, urging that real lives are at stake.
“We’re talking about real human beings losing everything.”
She condemned Trump’s political maneuvering during a crisis, stating that it reflects a fundamental lack of empathy and understanding of a leader’s responsibilities.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also highlighted the dangers of misinformation regarding disaster relief, stressing that it undermines trust in the government and hinders survivors from accessing necessary assistance.
“Disinformation harms survivors of a disaster because they lose trust in their government,” Mayorkas said during an interview on CNN.
As Hurricane Milton looms, the call for unity and support for those affected remains critical, with leaders urging the public to focus on helping rather than politicizing the tragedy.