Biden says states affected by Hurricane Helen ‘very happy’ with food aid after expressing confusion about ‘which hurricane’

Washington – President Biden said after the second day hurricane helen damage reported Thursday that those affected were “very happy” with the federal response despite widespread criticism — after pausing for a moment and saying he was trying to think of “which storm” a reporter was asking about. Was.

Republican critics have described Biden as isolated Local concerns about the speed and breadth of the federal response to America’s deadliest hurricane Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“What do the states in the hurricane zone do – what do they need after what you saw today?” a reporter asked Biden, 81, as he returned to the White House after dark from a trip to Florida and Georgia.

“Oh, in the hurricane zone? I’m wondering which storm you’re talking about,” responded Biden, who visited South Carolina and North Carolina on Wednesday.

“They are getting everything they need. And they’re very happy across the board.

Critics have faulted the speed at which aid was deployed to devastated areas of western North Carolina Slow pace of approving Georgia counties for federal funds and the fact that initial direct aid for victims included only $750 for groceries and other necessities.

“Biden didn’t know the reporter was asking about ‘which hurricane area’ and then he said, ‘They’re very happy.’ Does anyone think he has no idea where he went and what they are doing?” Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas), who is dating storm-zone Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.). Posted On X.

“Are you kidding me?? He actually said, ‘They’re getting everything they need, they’re very happy,'” wrote Representative Ronny Jackson (R-Texas).

“Unbelievable suffering, devastation, lack of federal aid, and Biden thinks the people of North Carolina are happy and well taken care of?” “This Harris/Biden administration is the embodiment of America-Last.”

Officials in the affected states have given mixed reviews — with some Republicans praising the response.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said Tuesday that the speed and delivery of federal aid to his state “has been fantastic.”

Others have criticized the federal response after at least 214 people died in six states over the weekend and last week.

Gov. Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) said Wednesday he is “furious” that Biden on Tuesday included only 11 Georgia counties in an emergency designation allowing federal aid — something Kemp said the state Of the 159 counties that were supposed to be incorporated, approximately 90 were incorporated.

Another 30 Georgia counties were added Tuesday after Kemp called the White House to protest.

“We talked to the president’s chief of staff, the FEMA administrator, and said, ‘Look, you’re sending a signal that you’re not paying attention to some of these rural communities,'” Kemp said.

Representative Chuck Edwards (R-NC), whose district includes some of the hardest-hit areas, Said Said Monday that his constituents were frustrated with early federal reform efforts at the grassroots level.

“The people of western North Carolina are feeling disappointed, and rightfully so. The response has been disappointing,” Edwards told NewsNation.

“We started bringing in some resources today, but the storm was over about 80 hours ago. The storm ended around 10 am on Friday morning. “We knew the storm was coming and just today we started seeing the first FEMA crews and trailers and helicopters arriving.”