US President Joe Biden on Wednesday accused Donald Trump of unleashing an “onslaught of lies” over the federal government’s response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
Biden warned that Milton, which is barreling in the direction of Florida, was “trying just like the storm of the century” and mentioned misinformation may hurt individuals who need assistance.
“There’s been a reckless, irresponsible and relentless promotion of disinformation and outright lies,” Biden advised a briefing on the White Home because the monster storm barreled in the direction of Florida.
Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, “has led the onslaught of lies,” mentioned Biden, who was joined nearly within the briefing by Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate battling Trump in November’s election.
Biden mentioned the disinformation was “undermining confidence” in rescue and restoration work and it was “dangerous to those that need assistance probably the most.”
Trump and Republicans have been pushing false claims over the storms, focusing on specifically the Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA).
“Assertions have been made that property is being confiscated. That is merely not true. They’re saying individuals impacted by these storms will obtain $750 in money and no extra. That is merely not true,” mentioned Biden.
“They’re saying the cash wanted for this disaster is being diverted to migrants. What a ridiculous factor to say. It isn’t true.”
Biden additionally slammed the “much more weird” claims being promoted by pro-Trump Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Greene was “saying the federal authorities is actually controlling the climate… It is past ridiculous. It is acquired to cease.”
Biden repeated his warnings that Florida residents within the affected areas ought to evacuate instantly: “It is actually a matter of life and dying.”
Harris — who joined the briefing nearly from New York the place she has been on an election media blitz — promised to crack down on any merchants gouging costs of meals, gasoline and lodging as Milton approaches.
“Anybody making the most of shoppers shall be held accountable,” Harris advised the briefing.
Harris additionally echoed Biden’s criticisms of Trump in a separate phone interview with CNN.
“It’s harmful, it’s unconscionable, frankly, that anybody who’d think about themselves a frontrunner would mislead determined individuals to the purpose that these determined individuals wouldn’t obtain the help to which they’re entitled,” she mentioned.
“Everyone knows it is harmful, and the gamesmanship has to cease.”
Biden postponed a visit to Germany and Angola on Tuesday and has been closely selling the White Home’s efforts in latest days for each Milton and the response to Helene, which killed greater than 230 individuals throughout the southeastern United States.
Biden and Harris have been stung by criticism of their preliminary response to Hurricane Helene, when the president spent the weekend working from his seashore home and the vp was at an election fundraiser on the US west coast.
