President Biden on Wednesday known as former President Trump’s claims about Hurricane Milton hitting Florida “un-American” and stated he ought to cease spreading disinformation in regards to the authorities’s response.
“Over the last few weeks there’s been reckless and irresponsible and relentless promotion of disinformation and outright lies about what’s going on,” Biden stated in remarks from the White Home in regards to the extreme climate, his second of the day.
“It’s undermining confidence in the people in Florida and incredible rescue and recovery work that’s been undertaken,” Biden stated.
“It’s harmful to those who most need the help. Quite frankly these lies are un-American,” Biden stated. “And there’s simply no place for them, not now, not ever.”
The president repeated one declare Trump has raised that the authorities is diverting catastrophe response funds to assist migrants.
“What the heck are they talking about? Stop it, its outrageous, it’s just not true,” Biden stated about funding from the Federal Emergency Administration Company being diverted.
He additionally criticized Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who wrote on the social platform X final week, within the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, “yes they can control the weather.”
“It’s beyond ridiculous, it’s so stupid. It’s got to stop,” he stated.
It’s the second time Wednesday that Biden has used the bully pulpit to go after Trump and Greene over the difficulty.
Hurricane Milton is anticipated to make landfall in Florida this night with most wind speeds of 120 mph. Federal, state and native officers have provided rising warnings about its potential influence.
Biden outlined that evacuating sure areas at this level might be troublesome, and inspired individuals to search for safer shelter. He additionally stated he permitted an emergency declaration for Florida and that Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin pre-positioned search and rescue groups, helicopters, and high-water autos near impacted areas to assist.
The president additionally stated he’ll deploy active-duty navy if Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) asks for the assistance. He stated DeSantis has been “very gracious” and grateful for the federal response in earlier conversations.