Former President Donald Trump, attempting to leverage Hurricane Helene’s devastation for political gain, falsely claimed on social media that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris “are universally being given POOR GRADES for their handling of the hurricane, especially in North Carolina.”
Facts First: Trump is incorrect. The Biden administration’s response has received bipartisan praise from leaders in affected states.
While there has been some criticism and ambivalence, Trump’s assertion that reviews of the Biden administration’s crisis management are entirely negative is false.
This is just the latest in Trump’s series of false claims regarding the administration’s hurricane response. On Monday, Trump incorrectly stated that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp couldn’t reach Biden, despite Kemp having spoken with him that same day. Trump also baselessly alleged that the federal government and North Carolina’s Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, were intentionally neglecting Republican communities, providing no evidence when questioned by reporters.
Praise from Republican Governors
Several Republican governors from southeastern states impacted by Hurricane Helene have praised the Biden administration’s response, often mentioning Biden by name.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster remarked at a Tuesday press conference that federal assistance has been “superb,” noting calls from Biden and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. He stated, “We’re getting assistance, and we’re asking for everything we need.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed gratitude during a Monday press conference for the swift federal response, specifically thanking Biden in a prior press release.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee also praised the federal government for its quick response to his emergency declaration, highlighting the rapid eligibility for federal reimbursements. At a Wednesday press conference, he described a « rush » of officials assisting local emergency management agencies and emphasized the coordinated efforts to rebuild.
Praise in North Carolina
Governor Cooper of North Carolina has consistently praised the federal response. During Biden’s visit to the state on Wednesday, Cooper stated, “We’re grateful for the quick actions and close communications that we have had with the president and with the FEMA team.” He also thanked Biden for approving a major disaster declaration and ensuring FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell’s presence on the ground.
Asheville’s Democratic mayor, Esther Manheimer, noted on MSNBC that they were receiving significant assistance from various sectors in the recovery effort, emphasizing that rebuilding from the “catastrophic” situation would be a lengthy process.
