U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday accused former President Donald Trump of leading a campaign of disinformation regarding the government’s response to Hurricane Helene and the looming Hurricane Milton. Speaking at a White House briefing, Biden criticized the spread of false claims as the dangerous storm Milton approached Florida.
“There has been a reckless, irresponsible, and relentless promotion of disinformation and outright lies,” Biden said. He directly blamed Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, for spearheading what he called an “onslaught of lies.” The briefing was attended by Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden’s running mate in the upcoming November election.
Biden expressed concern that the disinformation was eroding public confidence in federal rescue and recovery efforts, potentially endangering those most in need of assistance. He pointed specifically to false claims targeting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which Trump and other Republicans have accused of misusing funds earmarked for hurricane relief.
“Assertions have been made that property is being confiscated—simply not true. They’re saying people impacted by these storms will receive $750 in cash and no more. That’s simply not true,” Biden emphasized. “They’re also saying the money needed for this crisis is being diverted to migrants. What a ridiculous thing to say. It’s not true.”
Biden also took aim at pro-Trump Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has promoted conspiracy theories, including a claim that the federal government is controlling the weather. “It’s beyond ridiculous. It’s got to stop,” Biden said.
As Hurricane Milton bore down on Florida, Biden urged residents in affected areas to evacuate, warning that the storm could be catastrophic. “It’s looking like the storm of the century,” he said. “It’s literally a matter of life and death.”
Vice President Harris, meanwhile, vowed to crack down on price gouging for essential items like food, fuel, and lodging as the storm approached. She emphasized that the administration would take swift action against any attempts to exploit the crisis for profit.
Biden has been working to emphasize the administration’s efforts in preparing for Hurricane Milton and responding to Hurricane Helene, which claimed more than 230 lives across the southeastern United States. He postponed planned trips to Germany and Angola earlier in the week to focus on the hurricane response. Both Biden and Harris faced criticism over their initial handling of Hurricane Helene, with Biden working from his beach house and Harris attending a fundraiser in the early days of the storm.
