President Biden defends his response to Hurricane Helene while facing criticism for not yet visiting affected areas, citing potential impact on relief efforts.
President Biden has faced questions about his handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has left a trail of devastation across the southeastern United States. Biden has yet to visit the affected areas, but he has defended his decision, stating that he is "committed" to providing support and assistance.
"My commitment to the people of the affected areas is to get them the resources they need as quickly as possible," Biden said during a press conference on Monday. "I don't want to divert or delay any of the response assets needed to deal with this crisis."
Biden Addresses Hurricane Helene Criticism, Declines Immediate Visit
Biden's remarks come amid criticism from some who argue that he has not shown enough empathy or urgency in his response to the hurricane. However, the president maintained that he is focused on ensuring that federal resources are being deployed effectively to assist those in need.
"We have an obligation to make sure that we're doing everything we can to help these communities recover," Biden said. "And I'm going to do everything in my power to see that happen."
Biden Addresses Hurricane Helene Criticism, Declines Immediate Visit
In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation, former University of Kentucky staffer Betsy Packard took to social media to suggest that the storm was a divine punishment on red states for their support of former President Donald Trump.
Packard's comments, which were posted on Facebook, sparked immediate outrage and calls for her dismissal. She later doubled down on her remarks, arguing that MAGA supporters deserved the hurricane's wrath for their "hate and hypocrisy."
Biden Addresses Hurricane Helene Criticism, Declines Immediate Visit
The university quickly condemned Packard's statements, calling them "abhorrent" and "unacceptable." Packard has since deleted her Facebook post and apologized for her comments.
Hurricane Helene has had a particularly devastating impact on Appalachian communities in North Carolina and other states. The storm's torrential rains and high winds have caused widespread flooding, mudslides, and damage to infrastructure.
In some areas, communities have been completely cut off from the outside world, making it difficult to provide essential supplies and assistance. The death toll from Hurricane Helene has surpassed 100, and many more are still missing.
North Carolina lawmaker Josh Dobson has compared the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to a "warzone." Dobson, whose district includes some of the hardest-hit areas, described the devastation as "unimaginable."
"I've seen firsthand the incredible amount of damage that this storm has caused," Dobson said. "Homes have been destroyed, businesses have been wiped out, and families have lost everything."
Dobson said that it will take a long time for communities to recover from the hurricane's impact. He urged residents to remain patient and to support each other during this difficult time.
The University of Kentucky has condemned former staffer Betsy Packard's comments suggesting that Hurricane Helene was divine punishment on red states for their support of Donald Trump.
"The university strongly condemns the offensive and insensitive comments made by a former staff member on social media," a university spokesman said. "These comments do not reflect our values as an institution."
The university said that Packard is not currently an employee and that her comments are being reported to the appropriate offices for review.
Following the backlash to her comments, Packard has attempted to clarify her position, saying that she was misquoted and did not believe that Hurricane Helene was divine punishment.
"I need to clarify previous posts," Packard wrote on Facebook. "I erred in thinking Americans could read. I said WHAT IF. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Michelle Bachmann attributed disasters to divine punishment. DO I BELIEVE THIS? NO. Did I say I believed it? Nope. But some fools DO believe it."
The University of Kentucky has removed Betsy Packard's name and image from its College of Arts and Sciences website. Packard was previously identified as an MFA candidate and graduate instructor on the website.
The university said that it is working to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene and that its thoughts and concerns are with them during this difficult time.
