Elected officials in the southeastern U.S. are raising the alarm over what they say is blatant neglect by the Biden-Harris administration in the wake of Hurricane Helene, one of the most powerful storms in a century. With over 170 dead and hundreds still missing, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and others are outraged by the slow and selective federal response. Speaking with local outlet WRDW, Kemp didn’t mince words: “A lot of people were outraged, including me. There was such devastation—up to 90 counties were hit, yet only 11 were designated as disaster zones. I had to call the White House myself just to get their attention.”
The devastation left in Helene’s wake is unprecedented, but the federal response has been nothing short of sluggish. Even as Kemp scrambled to get more help for his state, Kamala Harris was busy fundraising on the West Coast. Harris released a statement expressing her sympathy for the victims, but that wasn’t enough for many critics who wanted to see more direct involvement. “Our administration will remain in constant contact with state and local officials,” Harris said, but her words ring hollow to many in the affected areas still waiting for real action.
Kamala just told Americans they will be receiving $750 to those who ‘truly need it’ for hurricane relief..
We can send BILLIONS to Ukraine but Americans who have lost everything only get $750 dollars?! pic.twitter.com/9fYUZuMfM9
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 2, 2024
Meanwhile, former Congressman Mark Walker (R-NC) took to X (formerly Twitter) to hammer the administration over its mismanagement. Pointing to a $50 million facility in Greensboro, NC, intended for housing migrants, Walker questioned why it wasn’t being repurposed to help stranded U.S. citizens in the wake of the disaster. “Maybe you could take care of our own first,” he quipped, echoing the frustrations of many Americans who feel like the government’s priorities are upside down.
Hey @FEMA, 800 beds in Greensboro are available. The U.S. Govt. has a $50 million lease and it’s currently unoccupied. While the center is waiting to house apprehended illegals, maybe you could take care of our own western North Carolinians first. pic.twitter.com/uWL0LEbkF7
— Mark Walker (@RepMarkWalker) October 3, 2024
To make matters worse, everyday citizens trying to lend a hand in the rescue efforts were met with government obstruction. One South Carolina helicopter pilot, Jordan Seidhom, was warned by local officials to stop his rescue missions or face arrest, despite successfully saving multiple lives. “I explained I left my son on the mountain,” Seidhom said, but the local official insisted he abandon the effort. Similar scenes unfolded in Asheville, NC, where residents were threatened with arrest if they attempted to retrieve their belongings.
democrats: bet you republicans dont think the government is so terrible now that you need to be rescued from a flood ????????????
the government: if you rescue people from the flood I swear on my life I will send you directly to prison https://t.co/tbAy8pHrIe
— Seamus (FreedomToons) (@seamus_coughlin) October 3, 2024
VIDEO PROOF, Police In Asheville, North Carolina Threateng Hurricane Helene Victims WITH ARREST For Trying To Save Their Belongings
Hurricane Victim “This is how city of Asheville police department treat business owners that lost everything and trying to salvage what little bit… pic.twitter.com/uk4bXzehO0
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) October 3, 2024
Joe Biden and Harris eventually made their way to Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to survey the damage—but only after President Trump had already visited the area, using the opportunity to slam the administration’s lack of responsiveness. “The federal government is not being responsive,” Trump told reporters, a sentiment echoed by many who feel abandoned by Washington during this crisis.
As the storm’s aftermath lingers, questions about the administration’s competence—and priorities—continue to swirl.