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Harris Blasts DeSantis and Trump over Hurricane Helene and Milton Response; DeSantis Dismisses Her Criticism

Oct 8, 2024, 01:40 AM

Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump for what she described as "political gamesmanship" in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Harris accused Trump of spreading "mis- and disinformation" about resources available to hurricane survivors, calling his actions "extraordinarily irresponsible" and stating, "It's about him, it's not about you." She also expressed frustration that DeSantis had ignored her calls, asserting that "playing political games at this moment, in these crisis situations... it's utterly irresponsible and it is selfish." Harris emphasized, "Moments of crisis should really be the moment that anyone who calls themselves a leader says they're going to put politics aside and put the people first." Governor DeSantis responded by dismissing Harris's criticisms, declaring that she "has no role here whatsoever" and that he has been "laser focused on leveraging all resources" for hurricane preparedness and relief. He noted that Harris has never contacted him during previous storms over his "3.5 years" as governor and accused her of attempting to "blunder into this" for her campaign. DeSantis added, "I don't have time for political games. I have lives on the line." He emphasized that he has worked well with both President Trump and President Biden during past disasters and is in contact with both FEMA and President Biden. The exchange underscores tensions between the Vice President and the Florida Governor as the state prepares for Hurricane Milton. Both leaders accuse each other of politicizing disaster response, highlighting a broader clash amid critical emergency efforts.