Biden offers prayers for Maui fire victims, White House responds to criticism.
The White House Prays for Victims of Devastating Wildfires in Hawaii
The White House announced on August 14 that President Joe Biden is deeply concerned about the victims of the devastating wildfires in Hawaii. Initially, he had no comment on the matter, but now he is actively praying for those affected.
The deadly fires erupted on August 8, just days after the National Weather Service issued a warning about the potential for wildfires due to the combination of Hurricane Dora’s winds and drought conditions.
This inferno ravaged the resort town of Lahaina, claiming the lives of at least 96 people and becoming the deadliest wildfire in the country in over a century.
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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assured reporters during a press briefing that President Biden and the First Lady are praying for the families who lost their loved ones and for everyone affected by the wildfires in Maui. She emphasized that the president is actively engaged with his team and local officials to ensure a comprehensive response.
However, President Biden’s initial response of “no comment” during a press conference in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he was spending the weekend at his beach house, sparked criticism from pundits and politicians who accused him of indifference.
Arizona Republican Kari Lake tweeted, “One of the most beautiful places on Earth has been reduced to cinders. In Delaware: @JoeBiden can’t be bothered to care. Putting America First means getting this joker out of the White House.”
Similarly, Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), a former White House physician, criticized the president for vacationing while tragedy struck in Hawaii. He tweeted, “Joe Biden couldn’t be bothered to comment on the horrible tragedy in Hawaii. Too busy vacationing at the beach. The tragic truth is he’s not the one running the country. He has no idea what’s going on. We deserve much better!”
Response Efforts
Despite the backlash, Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that the president is deeply concerned about the situation. He has declared a major disaster in Hawaii and has been in constant communication with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
Over 300 FEMA employees are already on the ground, providing aid and support to those affected. They have distributed water, meals, blankets, and cots to those in need. Additionally, FEMA has activated its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program to temporarily house displaced residents in hotels and motels while they make long-term plans.
Deanne Criswell expressed the emotional toll this severe event has taken on the affected individuals, saying, ”Nothing can prepare you for what I saw during my time here. And nothing can prepare them for the emotional toll of the impact that this severe event has taken on them.”
As for the financial…
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