President Joe Biden has faced sharp criticism regarding his response to the catastrophic fires in Maui two weeks ago, which has taken more than 114 lives — more than 850 souls are still missing.
The controversy began when Joe Biden was asked to share a word of encouragement to fire victims, and he replied, “no comment.” The situation was made worse by the fact that he made his “no comment” remark while vacationing on a beach in Delaware.
The president was also scorned for offering $700 per family in aid to Hawaiians who suffered great loss on the same day he authorized an additional $200 million in aid to Ukraine.
About two weeks after the devastating fires, Biden visited the disaster area on Maui — he was not warmly greeted.
Rather than receiving the traditional “aloha” greeting, he was met with jeers, curses and many middle finger hand gestures.
“I got it on video! Residents flipping off Joe Biden!” one observer passionately captured the event.
Another individual wasn’t just content to witness the event but felt the need to give a commentary, providing a touch of local color to the unfolding scene. “There goes Biden with Maui residents flipping him off.”
The Daily Caller reported that Biden’s motorcade route was lined with people holding their thumbs down, with many waving pro-Trump flags.
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In a speech the Daily Caller referred to as “rambling,” the president spoke briefly about the devastation then segued into a lengthy anecdote about his own loss of his first wife Naomi and one-year-old daughter in a car accident in 1972.
“We’re focused on what’s next as rebuilding a long, long term rebuilding for long term and doing it together to help get us back on our feet to rebuild the way we want to rebuild,’ Biden told the crowd.
“By making sure your voices are heard, by respecting your traditions, by understanding the deep history and meaning the sacred ground and establishing your community not to change his character but reestablish it.”
Biden assured, “We’re also going to bring the capabilities to help you rebuild. So your critical infrastructure is more resilient in the future.”
Observers noted the palpable tension in the air as Biden spoke. His attempt at jokes was particularly offensive to grieving locals. One island resident summarized the sentiment of the crowd: “MAUI has NO aloha for Joe Biden!”
Many Democrats were surprised at Biden’s reception in the deep blue state. Republicans note that the reception is emblematic of broad frustration with President Biden’s leadership.
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