President Joe Biden sharply criticized his predecessor, Donald Trump, for spreading misinformation about the federal response to devastating hurricanes Milton and Helene. Speaking at the White House, Biden denounced Trump’s “reckless, irresponsible and relentless disinformation and outright lies” about the disaster relief efforts. Specifically, Biden took issue with Trump’s claims that federal funding was being diverted to support undocumented immigrants and that assistance was capped at $750 per person. The president clarified that the $750 was for immediate needs such as food, diapers, and baby formula.
Biden called Trump’s statements “bizarre” and “un-American,” stating that the responses were not only factually inaccurate but also potentially harmful to those affected by the hurricanes. The president further emphasized that the false information being spread was deterring people from seeking help, which he deemed “so damn un-American.” When asked if he planned to speak with Trump to urge him to stop spreading misinformation, Biden responded that he would not, instead choosing to address Trump directly through the media.
US President Joe Biden (Via Joe Biden/Twitter)
In a direct address to Trump, Biden told him to “get a life, man” and focus on helping those impacted by the hurricanes rather than perpetuating false information. Biden also seemed to suggest that first responders, who were working tirelessly to save lives, were facing “death penalties” – although it was unclear whether he meant to say “death threats.” The president’s stern rebuke of Trump’s actions underscores the importance of responsible and accurate communication during times of crisis, and serves as a stark contrast to the divisiveness and misinformation that characterized Trump’s presidency.
