After visiting Georgia to assess Hurricane Helene’s devastation on Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris was blasted by a number of prominent Republicans, including Donald Trump Jr., who said she had only given those impacted $750. During a speech in Augusta, the Democratic nominee for president brought up the money. This infuriated conservatives, who said it was all the money she was providing to disaster victims.
Over Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, the hurricane claimed the lives of at least 200 people. Thousands of homes lost electricity and communications, while many more were severely damaged or washed away.
Did Kamala Harris Offer Hurricane Helene Victims $750?
The financial assistance would be given out by FEMA, as disclosed by Harris during a visit to Augusta, Georgia, one of the hardest-hit places. More help is available for long-term damage and other losses, although the financial help is meant to cover huge food needs. The declaration of Georgia as a disaster area on October 1 by the Biden administration was followed by the news. With the devastation caused by the hurricane, which wrecked houses and infrastructure and left many without access to communication, the $750 relief package has provoked outrage.
Many opponents have taken there SM accounts to voice their disapproval, calling the amount insufficient. Another concern raised by critics is why other nations such as Israel and the Ukraine are receiving billions of dollars in aid, while American residents are receiving what they perceive to be meager resources.
By way of a GoFundMe campaign spearheaded by his national finance director, Meredith O’Rourke, former president Donald Trump has, in contrast, raised almost $4 million for Houston Hurricane victims. Senator Kelly Loeffler, a former Republican, made a notable contribution of $500,000. Furthermore, as part of the relief efforts, residents in the hardest-hit areas can receive a free month of internet connection from Elon Musk’s Starlink brand.
Fact Check
- During remarks in Augusta, Georgia, Vice President Kamala Harris revealed on Wednesday that President Joe Biden had granted Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s request for a 100% reimbursement of local costs incurred in responding to Hurricane Helene. Harris stated that the federal payment will pay for emergency services, debris removal, and local government-provided food, water, and shelter. The right was incensed at the $750 comment following allegations that other FEMA money for areas facing a migrant crisis could be applied to the relief effort for Hurricane Helene. Some users on the social media platform stated, they can’t believe what they are hearing, in reference to the claimed that the federal government was only offering $750 per individual.
- Anger erupted as people claimed that the White House ought to be providing more for families that had recently lost everything. On Wednesday, October 3, Vice President Harris met with individuals providing relief and assisting with disaster cleanup while also giving a lengthy speech in August, Georgia.
- In her remarks, Harris described the cash payments as a single component of a greater relief endeavor. Several prominent accounts on X circulated and magnified a video of that time, even though it was only a portion of more in-depth comments about the official response to the storm. Harris stated that while people with an internet connection could apply online, FEMA employees were going door-to-door to provide residents the emergency assistance funds.
Harris ripped for ‘fake’ optics over Hurricane Helene
Following her revelation to her followers that she had traveled to Georgia and spoken with Hurricane Helene’s victims, Kamala Harris came under heavy criticism. Sharing on social media that she had traveled to Georgia and spoken with those impacted by Hurricane Helene’s destruction, Kamala Harris announced to her followers. She should have done sooner, but internet users pointed out that it’s too late.
Reports state that Harris traveled to Augusta to evaluate the disaster’s impact. Governor Brian Kemp has asked for 100% reimbursement of the expenditures associated with the local cleaning, and President Joe Biden has granted it. It was pointed out in the comments section of Harris’ post that the $750 that FEMA will give to some individuals with urgent needs is a pitiful sum in light of the harm that has been done.
“Communities in the southeast have endured destruction and devastation over the past few days,” Harris tweeted, sharing photographs of herself at the location. I spoke with Hurricane Helene survivors today while I was in Augusta, Georgia. Additionally, I was given briefings by individuals who are assisting people on the ground nonstop and will do everything in our power to help in community’s healing.
Harris was previously charged with fabricating a picture in which he appeared to be briefed on the hurricane’s effects. Among those criticizing her was Donald Trump, who pointed out that it didn’t seem like her earbuds were in her phone.