Biden and Gov. DeSantis to Make Joint Appearance in Florida

President Joe Biden and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will make an appearance together as Hurricane Ian relief efforts get underway.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that Biden will tour the hard-hit Fort Myers area on Wednesday and will be briefed by DeSantis about ground conditions.

BIDEN AND DESANTIS NAVIGATE HURRICANE RESPONSE TOGETHER

“President Biden and the first lady will travel to Fort Myers, Florida, to reaffirm his commitment to supporting the people of Florida as they recover and rebuild from the devastating storm,” she said. “While there, the president will meet with small business owners and local residents impacted by Hurricane Ian, and thank the federal, state, and local officials working around the clock to provide lifesaving assistance, restore power, distribute food and water, remove debris, and begin rebuilding efforts.”

DeSantis will brief Biden, along with FEMA Director Deanne Criswell and other state and local officials, Jean-Pierre added.

Biden and DeSantis are both considered 2024 presidential contenders, leading to lots of questions and intense speculation about their dealings together.

The two did not speak about the hurricane until the night of Sept. 27 but have spoken many times since, with each complimenting the other. Biden has called questions about his relationship with DeSantis irrelevant.

Nonetheless, reporters keep asking questions and will be on alert for any signs of controversy between the pair.

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DeSantis’s camp did get in a row with Vice President Kamala Harris over the role “equity” will play in the recovery, leading Jean-Pierre to weigh in as well. Questions have also been raised about DeSantis accepting federal funds while criticizing Biden and his opposition to some federal funding spent on Hurricane Sandy a decade ago.

While the president and DeSantis have so far avoided conflict over Ian, that resolve will be tested in the days and weeks ahead.