During a press conference on Monday, President Biden addressed the federal response to Hurricane Helene and pledged to visit the most devastated areas—but not immediately.
The president, who frequently coughed during the conference, became defensive when a reporter questioned who was in command over the weekend as the hurricane response unfolded. Biden spent the weekend at his beach house in Delaware.
As he finished his remarks and was about to leave the Roosevelt Room, a reporter called out, “Mr. President, why weren’t you and Vice President Harris here in Washington commanding this over the weekend?” Biden responded sharply, “I was commanding it. I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before as well. I command it. It’s called a telephone and all my security people.” He then exited as the reporter attempted to ask another question, but the door closed mid-sentence.
Earlier in his remarks, Biden assured the public that he and his team were in “constant contact with governors, mayors, and local leaders” regarding the hurricane. He noted that FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell was on the ground in North Carolina and would remain there. Biden acknowledged reports that over 100 people had died and around 600 were still unaccounted for due to the storm.
“We’re keeping them all in our prayers,” Biden said. “There’s nothing like wondering if your loved one is alive… We’re not leaving until the job is done.”
Biden added that he was committed to visiting the impacted areas later in the week, explaining that doing so now could disrupt recovery efforts. “We will not risk diverting or delaying any response assets. My first responsibility is to get all the help needed to those impacted areas,” he said.
He directed his team to provide “every available resource” to assist in rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts, with more than 3,600 personnel approved so far. Biden also noted that he had granted emergency declarations for several states, including Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama.
The president emphasized the importance of heeding emergency warnings, saying, “Take this seriously. Please be safe. Your nation has your back, and the Biden-Harris administration will be there until the job is done.”
He also acknowledged three members of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department who were seriously injured in a crash near the Texas-Louisiana border while traveling to assist in recovery efforts. “We pray for their full recovery,” Biden said.
