Georgia Governor Brian Kemp criticized the Biden administration for its slow response in providing federal aid to rural communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. The storm, which left at least 25 people dead in Georgia, prompted an initial disaster declaration from President Biden, but it covered only 11 of the 90 affected counties. Kemp expressed frustration, stating that many rural areas were left without immediate access to federal disaster funds.
After contacting the White House, Kemp was able to secure an expanded declaration that added 30 more counties, bringing the total to 41. Kemp said he expects even more counties to be added, with the possibility of reaching 70 to 90. The disaster declaration allows affected counties to receive aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support recovery efforts.
Kemp’s criticism followed broader scrutiny of Biden’s response to the disaster. The president faced backlash for monitoring the aftermath from his vacation home in Delaware instead of the White House. Additionally, Biden has been criticized for the federal government’s depleted disaster aid funds, which have been strained by other commitments, including aid to migrants and foreign countries.
During a visit to Georgia, former President Donald Trump also weighed in, claiming that Biden had been unreachable during the crisis, a claim Kemp refuted by saying Biden had called him personally to offer support.
The damage caused by Hurricane Helene across six states is estimated to cost at least $35 billion, with recovery efforts ongoing.