President Biden addressed the looming threat of Hurricane Milton, stating that despite being downgraded to a Category 3 storm, it is still expected to be one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit Florida in over a century. He emphasized the importance of heeding local officials’ safety instructions and finding safer shelter if evacuation is not possible. Biden assured residents that his administration would offer support for as long as needed to rescue, recover, and rebuild the affected communities. He urged people in the storm’s path to take precautions and listen to authorities.
The president announced that federal assistance is being surged to provide aid to those affected by Hurricane Milton. This includes 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water ready for distribution, as well as pre-positioned search and rescue teams, helicopters, and water vehicles from the Pentagon. Biden postponed his scheduled trips to Germany and Angola to oversee the federal government’s response to the hurricane. Officials briefed him on the deteriorating conditions and warned of storm surge and damaging winds that could impact a large area along Florida’s west coast.
FEMA administrator Deanna Criswell assured that the agency is prepared to support states affected by the storms and urged residents to follow advice from local officials. Biden approved emergency declarations in Florida and made resources available to state and local authorities. He condemned the spread of misinformation about rescue and recovery efforts, particularly highlighting false claims made by former President Trump. Biden emphasized the unity of the country during times of crisis and the importance of supporting one another across political divides.
Addressing concerns about misleading assertions made by Trump regarding the government’s response to the hurricanes, Biden reiterated the need for accurate information and unity among all Americans. He expressed gratitude for the efforts of volunteers, first responders, and officials working together to assist those in need. When asked if he had considered calling Trump to address the false claims, Biden dismissed the idea. The focus remained on providing support to the communities affected by Hurricane Milton and ensuring a coordinated response to the ongoing crisis.
