What’s Behind President Biden’s Defensive Stance on Disaster Relief?

Man in blue suit speaking to microphones near airplane.

President Biden became defensive when questioned about the command structure managing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

At a Glance

  • President Biden is committed to visiting areas devastated by Hurricane Helene but will wait to avoid diverting response resources.
  • Biden grew defensive when questioned about his command over the hurricane response while he was at his beach home in Delaware.
  • Biden emphasized that the federal response would continue until the job is done.
  • More than 3,600 personnel have been approved for deployment.
  • Biden urged residents in impacted areas to heed emergency warnings.

Biden’s Defensive Response

President Biden responded defensively to reporters’ questions about who is commanding the federal relief efforts for Hurricane Helene while he was at his Delaware beach home. Biden stressed that he and his administration have been in constant contact, managing the situation via telephone. “I was commanding it,” he retorted. “I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before as well. I command it. It’s called a telephone and all my security people.”

The storm has caused significant loss of life and property. So far, 100 people are reported dead, with around 600 unaccounted for. The aftermath left residents in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia without electricity, internet, or phone connections. Over 460,000 people are without power, and more than 1,000 are in shelters. Biden acknowledged the serious injuries of three San Diego Fire-Rescue Department members who were en route to assist.

Federal Response Efforts

Biden assured that the federal response would continue until recovery is complete, directing federal agencies like FEMA, the FCC, the National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Defense to provide necessary resources. More than 3,600 personnel have been approved for deployment, with search and rescue teams from 19 states and the US government aiding North Carolina. Emergency declarations are approved for several states, promising timely aid and resources.

“We’re not leaving until the job is done,” Biden reassured. “We’re keeping them all in our prayers and all the lives lost and those particular unaccounted for. There’s nothing like wondering is my husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father alive and many more who remain without electricity – water, food and communications and homes and businesses have washed away in an instant.”

Relief and Future Measures

Amid the chaos, Biden expressed empathy for families awaiting news of their loved ones and urged residents to heed emergency warnings. The President plans to request supplemental funding from Congress for the affected states, acknowledging the spending bill did not include provisions for disaster relief. He may call Congress for a special session to address this critical need.

“Take this seriously. Please be safe. Your nation has your back, and the Biden-Harris administration will be there until the job is done,” Biden emphasized. The storm caused estimable damages ranging from $15 billion to over $100 billion, severely affecting infrastructure, including water systems, communication, and transportation. I-64 and other crucial roads are wiped out, adding complications to the relief efforts.