Staff Reports
Tulsi Gabbard has taken off the gloves and tossed them right at the Biden administration over their lackluster response to Hurricane Helene victims. With the same frustration that likely bubbles under the surface of countless Americans, Gabbard drew a stark parallel between the government’s sluggish response to the hurricane and the catastrophic wildfires that last year scorched Maui, Hawaii. One can’t help but wonder if the Biden administration’s disaster response plan is sitting somewhere in a bureaucratic black hole, collecting dust while Americans continue to suffer.
Touring the devastation caused by the hurricane, Gabbard’s frustrations are palpable. She reflects on communities, particularly in Asheville, North Carolina, where residents feel as abandoned and forgotten as those in Maui did during their wildfires. Her visits to both areas left her incredulous at the complete absence of federal officials on-site, which raises the question: is anyone in Washington paying attention? The glaring lack of help, not even a friendly face in a FEMA vest, signals a monumental failure of leadership at the highest levels.
When a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in E. Palestine, OH, Biden did nothing.
When a wildfire devastated homes in Maui, Biden did nothing.
When Hurricane Helene destroyed homes and lives, Biden continues to do nothing.
Remember when the White House told us Joe… pic.twitter.com/LHZ0HwQGy9
— Rep. Wesley Hunt Press Office (@RepWPH) September 30, 2024
In her characteristic no-nonsense fashion, Gabbard criticized FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell’s response to the Maui wildfire victims, derisively highlighting the absurdity of families being offered a mere $700. She scorned this amount as an insult when the real need was thousands of dollars to start rebuilding lives. It’s almost as if the Biden administration thinks that a pat on the back and some pocket change will fix the monumental disaster—newsflash: it won’t.
Gabbard’s outrage echoes the sentiments of many who question the priorities of the current administration. Instead of urgently responding to the dire needs of hurricane victims, the Biden White House appears more focused on the bureaucratic red tape—cutting through it is apparently not on their to-do list. It implies that while communities are desperate for hands-on assistance, the administration is off in the clouds, proving once again that they are more interested in policies than in people.
In stark contrast, former President Donald Trump has been proactive. He took the bull by the horns, visiting Valdosta, Georgia, where people were reeling from Hurricane Helene. In an accurate jab, Trump accused President Biden of “sleeping” while Vice President Harris was busy holding fundraising events. It’s an unfortunate reality that when the nation cries out for leadership, the current administration seems to be content with a lackadaisical approach. At the same time, Trump steps up to the plate, reminding everyone what a real leader looks like.
During his visit, Trump’s presence was welcomed with open arms, and clergy members like Rev. Franklin Graham were quick to express gratitude. Graham noted that the victims and first responders felt blessed to see someone taking the time to engage with and understand their struggles deeply. In this time of need, the difference in approach couldn’t be clearer—while one administration sleeps through crises, another is willing to roll up its sleeves and help Americans in distress.
