Hurricane Milton Whirls Up Political Storm as Harris and Trump Collide Over Hurricane Aid

Mere days after Hurricane Helene devastated Northwest Florida and continued its destructive path through several southern states, Hurricane Milton is predicted to arrive in Florida soon. 

Milton is expected to slam into Florida’s West coast on Thursday night, carrying torrential downpours and over 100 mph winds. 

Governors and government officials of states impacted by Helene and monitoring Milton have been working to recover from Helene and prepare for Milton, frequently by cooperating with the federal government. 

However, former President Donald Trump has criticized President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ hurricane response, alleging they have not done enough to help the ravaged communities recover. 

President Trump took to X to criticize Vice President Harris’ hurricane recovery efforts as “the worst storm response in history.”

“THE RESPONSE TO THE HURRICANE BY LYIN’ KAMALA HARRIS IS NOW RATED THE WORST STORM RESPONSE IN HISTORY,” said Trump. “NORTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, FLORIDA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, ALABAMA, and others, will respond by VOTING FOR TRUMP.”

Vice President Harris denied Trump’s claims, alleging they distorted reality and confused those impacted by the hurricane and seeking help. 

“There is a lot of disinformation being pushed by Donald Trump about the aid available to survivors of Helene. It is extraordinarily irresponsible,” claimed Harris. “I urge people to apply for the many resources they are entitled to from FEMA.”

Trump has added to his criticisms of Harris’ hurricane response as his team published an attack ad emphasizing the billions of dollars Harris’ administration has allegedly granted immigrants with the small help afforded to hurricane survivors. 

Last week, FEMA officials announced funding shortages for hurricane recovery aid. 

Subsequently, the Trump campaign published information revealing FEMA recently doubled its funding for non-governmental entities providing housing assistance to immigrants apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security. 

FEMA upped its financing of such entities by around $300 million, from $363.8 in 2023 to $650 million in 2024. 

Trump Campaign National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the move, claiming it demonstrated Harris’ preference for immigrants over US citizens. 

“FEMA has run out of money for the rest of hurricane season because Kamala Harris used the funds for free giveaways to illegal immigrants,” said Leavitt. “This is inexcusable and yet another example of Kamala Harris putting Americans LAST!”