Joe Biden accuses Donald Trump of “lying” about his handling of Hurricane Helene

The affair takes a political turn. With a provisional toll of at least 118 deaths and devastation in the southeast of the United States, Hurricane Helene invited itself into an acrimonious presidential campaign on Monday, September 30. During a trip to a disaster-stricken town in Georgia, Donald Trump attacked the Biden administration’s management of the disaster, believing that “the federal state is not responsive”. The Republican presidential candidate also accused the Democratic government and authorities in North Carolina of “deliberately not helping people in Republican areas”.

“He’s lying”retorted a virulent Joe Biden. “What makes me angry [c’est qu’il] implies that we are not doing everything possible. (…) It’s false and it’s irresponsible.” Four days after the hurricane made landfall in northeast Florida, the extent of the damage remains difficult to establish, with several areas remaining inaccessible and lacking telephone networks and electricity.

“I spent at least two hours on the phone yesterday, as well as the day before”retorted the American president again, assuring that the federal authorities would be “there as long as necessary”. The Democrat, who announced that he would go to North Carolina on Wednesday, also believes that there is no “no doubt” that these devastations are due to climate change.

In the event of a return to the White House, Donald Trump has committed to “bring plenty of relief materials, including fuel, equipment and water” to those in need. He also directly attacked his Democratic rival Kamala Harris, accusing her of being “on the move, campaigning” before asserting himself that it was not the time “to talk politics”. The vice-president, however, canceled campaign events to hold a meeting on Monday on the disaster and announced that she would go there soon.