U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed that he will make a visit to Maui. The question is, will Biden's activity affect the ongoing recovery efforts in the Hawaii island?
Joe Biden to Visit Maui After Deadly Wildfires
Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden pauses while speaking at the SEIU Unions for All Summit on October 4, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. Eight Democratic Presidential candidates were scheduled to speak today and tomorrow at the summit. The presidential primary in California will be held on March 3, 2020.
According to CNN's latest report, POTUS confirmed his Maui visit on Tuesday, Aug. 15. The American leader said that he will travel to Maui County on Monday, Aug. 21.
He said that he will meet with survivors, responders, as well as state, federal, and local officials.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Joe Biden will bring his wife, the First Lady, together with him. Joe Biden promised that his upcoming visit will not impede the ongoing recovery efforts in any way.
"My wife Jill and I are going to travel to Hawaii as soon as we can, that's what I've been talking to the governor about," said the U.S. president.
"I don't want to get in the way - I've been to too many disaster areas, but I want to go and make sure we got everything they need. I want to be sure we don't disrupt the ongoing recovery efforts," he added.
Republicans Say Biden Doesn't Address Maui Wildfires
An aerial view shows destroyed homes and buildings that burned to the ground around the harbor and Front Street in the historic Lahaina Town in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said on August 9.
NBC News reported that Republicans believe POTUS is not addressing the wildfire devastation in Maui.
Among them is former U.S. President Donald Trump. He even posted a two-minute video criticizing Biden's lack of response to the natural catastrophe.
Trump said that Joe Biden's refusal to talk or comment on the Maui tragedy is just disgraceful. The White House defended POTUS against the accusations.
Officials said that the Biden Administration is taking the wildfires in Hawaii Island seriously.
They confirmed that almost 500 federal workers were deployed in Hawaii. Aside from this, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said that it provided 75,000 liters of water, 50,000 meals, 10,000 blankets, and 5,000 cots to affected Hawaii residents.
Even the U.S. Marines, the Coast Guard, and the Navy also support Maui. These defense organizations provided the assistance they can offer, such as Black Hawk helicopters.
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