- DeSantis’ alleged withdrawal from a joint trip was recommended by the White House.
- DeSantis has the opportunity to showcase his crisis management skills.
- The White House is boosting its previous $12 billion request to Congress to $16 billion for disaster aid.
While Hurricane Idalia is wreaking havoc on Florida, President Joe Biden and Governor Ron DeSantis have reportedly been unable to meet. This is despite their best attempts to show solidarity and collaboration in disaster relief.
DeSantis’ alleged withdrawal from a joint trip was recommended by the White House, despite earlier claims to the contrary by the governor’s spokeswoman. DeSantis, according to Biden, assisted in organizing the trip by communicating with Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives.
Biden visits storm-hit Florida
Due to the hurricane, DeSantis has the opportunity to showcase his crisis management skills as well as the human touch that some have claimed was lacking from his campaign trail.
For Biden, it was a chance to respond to criticism from the Republican Party for how he handled the Maui wildfires, which were the deadliest in the US in more than a century. According to him, the federal government will support the state for however long it needs.
Senator Rick Scott commended Vice President Joe Biden for a “great job” on preparations before the storm and his federal disaster declaration during a disaster response briefing at an elementary school in Live Oak. He was thanked by Biden for coming and giving him all the information he needed.
In contrast to a DeSantis spokesperson who had mentioned the potential for the logistics of a presidential visit to hinder recovery work, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told reporters that Florida officials have heard no complaints about Biden’s travel.
By speaking with DeSantis three times this week to advise him of federal actions to aid in the recovery, Biden has attempted to show close coordination in the Idalia response. They ought to have each other’s direct numbers, he said on Thursday.
During a natural calamity in October of last year, when Hurricane Ian hit Florida, the two men avoided their political disagreements. They were friendly and complimented each other, but they kept their distance and didn’t show any warmth.
Additionally, the White House is boosting its previous $12 billion request to Congress to $16 billion for disaster aid.
