Hurricane Helene’s devastation in Georgia and North Carolina has become a campaign issue, with the Biden-Harris administration dealing with a massive federal response while former President Donald Trump seeks political advantage by making false claims about Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp not being able to reach President Joe Biden. Both men are recognizing the high stakes, with Biden sharply rebutting Trump’s assertion and emphasizing that they are doing everything possible to help those in need during the storm.
Despite Trump’s claims, Kemp and Biden have spoken and maintained communication, with Biden offering direct assistance if needed. Trump also claimed to speak with Elon Musk to provide communication access in North Carolina, but FEMA had already put satellite systems in place. Biden and Harris have mobilized a robust effort publicly and behind the scenes, with federal personnel deployed and major disaster declarations approved for multiple states. Both parties have praised the Biden administration’s response so far.
Biden and Harris have been actively working to provide support and resources to those affected by the storm, with plans for Biden to travel to North Carolina for a briefing and aerial tour of the devastation. Biden has directed his team to provide every available resource for rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts, involving agencies such as FEMA, the FCC, the National Guard, and the Department of Defense. He assures survivors that they will have support as long as necessary.
As a former president, Trump is aware that Biden and Harris will be judged based on the federal government’s response to the hurricane. He has criticized them for being away from the White House during the storm, while he was the first to travel to the storm-hit area to provide relief aid and gasoline. Trump’s campaign has also launched a fundraising effort to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene, with Trump using social media to bring attention to the storm and attack Harris and Biden.
By politicizing the storm, Trump risks reminding voters of his own response to disasters while in office. It’s important for him and his campaign to be cautious in how they approach the situation. Despite the political implications, the focus should remain on providing aid and support to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Both the Biden-Harris administration and Trump are working to ensure that resources are available and that assistance is provided to those in need during this challenging time.
