During a press conference on federal efforts responding to Hurricane Helene, President Joe Biden faced criticism about his handling of the crisis. When questioned about who was in command during the storm’s impact over the weekend, as he spent time at his Delaware beach home, Biden grew defensive. He responded by emphasizing that he had been actively managing the situation remotely. “I was commanding it,” Biden said, stating that he had been on the phone for hours coordinating with officials.
The exchange occurred at the White House after Biden provided an update on the federal government’s response to the hurricane, which had caused significant damage across multiple states. The president acknowledged the devastation, with over 100 people reported dead and hundreds more still unaccounted for. Biden assured that federal agencies, including FEMA, were working closely with local governments to ensure aid was delivered quickly. He noted that FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell was on the ground in North Carolina and overseeing the recovery operations.
Biden also pledged to visit the impacted areas but said his presence could potentially disrupt ongoing relief efforts. He emphasized that his priority was to ensure that resources were directed where needed and promised to visit as soon as it was appropriate. He highlighted the federal support for emergency communications, debris removal, and the deployment of National Guard and Army Corps of Engineers personnel to assist with the recovery.
The president closed his remarks by urging people in affected areas to heed the advice of emergency responders and assured them that the administration would remain engaged in the recovery process.