President Biden is under criticism for his response of “no comment” when questioned about the severe wildfires in Hawaii, which have claimed more than 90 lives.
The exchange occurred as President Biden enjoyed a second vacation on a Delaware beach in recent weeks.
Podcaster Stephen Miller was astounded that Biden had “no comment” when asked the important question. In a post to X, formally known as Twitter, Miller sniped that Biden was asked the question after a recent two-week “beach vacation,” spending a few days in Washington, D.C., then spending time on the Delaware coast while wildfires “wiped out entire communities.”
Fox News noted the wildfires in Maui have been described as catastrophic. The death toll is expected to rise over 100 as bodies continue to be found in the rubble.
With just 65 firefighters on the Island, first responders were quickly overwhelmed. High winds from an offshore hurricane fanned the flames and power outages made it difficult to make all residents aware of the approaching danger.
Many were looking for Biden to show sympathy for those impacted by the natural disaster to claim the most lives in the United States in modern times.
Biden’s comments have been referred to as “callous.” MSNBC host Medhi Hasan referred to Biden’s comment as an “unforced error.”
The New York Post noted that critics have blasted the president’s response, saying it was “absolutely embarrassing.”
Reporter Matt Wolking referred to Biden’s comment as “Revolting.”
On a more positive note for the administration, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green commended the quick federal intervention. He particularly highlighted Biden’s promptness in declaring a major disaster. This sentiment was echoed by Democratic Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono who praised Biden for his expeditious emergency declaration.
A spokesperson for Green told Fox News Digital:
“President Biden has mobilized and led a whole-of-government response to the wildfires in Hawaii from the beginning, working closely on it and receiving detailed briefings every day since. Yesterday he received two updates from FEMA Administrator Criswell while she was on the ground.”
Hirono also thanked Biden and said of recovery efforts:
“I’ve directed that we surge support to these brave firefighters and first responders and emergency personnel working around the clock. … I’m going to make sure the state has everything it needs from the federal government to recover.”
However, while the White House has highlighted these endorsements of their swift action, some residents feel a disconnect between official statements and the ground reality.
Biden posted an update late Monday morning:
“As residents of Hawai’i mourn the loss of life and devastation taking place across their beautiful home, we mourn with them. Like I’ve said, not only our prayers are with those impacted – but every asset we have will be available to them,” he wrote.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
