During his remarks on Wednesday about the severe weather currently causing destruction in Florida and several other parts of the southern United States, President Biden called Trump’s claims about Hurricane Milton “un-American.”
Biden shared his thoughts while speaking for the second time on Wednesday, saying Trump needs to stop spreading disinformation about the government’s response to the storm and helping with recovery and rescue afterward.
“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 said. “It’s undermining confidence in the people in Florida and incredible rescue and recovery work that’s been undertaken.”
Former President Trump has repeatedly claimed that Biden’s administration has been diverting disaster response funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to aid migrants.
Biden addressed the accusations from Trump by saying there’s “no place for them, not now, not ever.”
“It’s harmful to those who most need the help. Quite frankly, these lies are un-American,” Biden said.
“What the heck are they talking about? Stop it, it’s outrageous, it’s just not true,” Biden later added.
Republicans have also said that the $750 immediate payments being offered to those affected by the hurricane through FEMA is all they will receive.
“They’re saying people impacted by these storms will receive $750 in cash and no more,” Biden said. “That’s simply not true.”
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on Wednesday night with maximum wind speeds of 120 mph. The storm caused one of the largest mass evacuation orders in the state’s history and is currently hammering the western coast of the peninsula.
The president also touched on claims from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who wrote on social media last week that “yes, they can control the weather” after Hurricane Helene hit the East Coast.
“Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a congresswoman from Georgia, is now saying the federal government is literally controlling the weather — we’re controlling the weather,” Biden said. “It’s beyond ridiculous. It’s got to stop.
Biden closed his remarks by saying he would deploy any additional active-duty military Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) wanted, adding that the governor has been “very gracious” and appreciative of the federal response.