President Joe Biden addressed the nation Friday afternoon, focusing on uniting the country as Florida begins to survey the damage left by a Category 4 hurricane, while states further up the coast prepare for the impact from Hurricane Ian.
“As you all know, the situation in Florida is far more devastating,” Biden said. “We’re just beginning to see the scale of that destruction.”
He did not take questions from the press or say if he would visit Florida, but stressed the importance of the country coming together to help those affected by the hurricane. He mentioned he was in continuous contact with Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, as well as other coastal governors.
“Our hearts go out to all those folks whose lives have been absolutely devastated by this storm, America’s heart is literally breaking,” Biden said. “I just want the people of Florida to know we see what you’re going through, and we’re with you. We’re going to do everything we can for you.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a Friday press briefing, after Biden’s remarks, that the White House would make an announcement if Biden decides to travel to Florida or Puerto Rico. The island was hit by Hurricane Fiona last week, leaving people without power after the hurricane damaged the island’s power grid.
Jean-Pierre did not answer a question from a reporter asking if Biden would meet with DeSantis.
“This is not about politics,” she said. “This is about the people of Florida and what they need.”
She said the president is focusing on getting resources to the states affected by Hurricane Ian and helping Puerto Rico recover.
Hurricane Ian demolished Southwest Florida, leaving millions without power, and damaging homes, businesses and bridges. On Thursday, Biden declared Florida a major disaster area, approving federal aid to help with local recovery efforts in areas affected by the hurricane.
On Friday he also declared the Commonwealth of Virginia as a major disaster area.
Biden said that Ian is likely to rank as the worst hurricane to ever hit Florida. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 is considered one of “the strongest and most devastating hurricane on record to hit southern Florida,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Hurricane Andrew was a Category 5 hurricane that hit Miami, leaving 51 dead. More than 50,000 homes were destroyed and the storm caused $27 billion in damage.
Biden said on Friday that it will take months and years for Florida to recover from Hurricane Ian.
After battering Florida for days, Hurricane Ian landed in South Carolina shortly after the president’s remarks. It’s currently a Category 1 storm, a category that has maximum sustained winds of 95 miles per hour.
Biden said he also approved an emergency declaration for South Carolina, after Republican Gov. Henry Dargan McMaster requested the designation.
During his remarks, Biden urged the residents of South Carolina to listen to “all the warnings and directions from local officials and follow their instructions.”
In Florida, there is one confirmed death and 20 under investigation, and nearly 2 million homes and business are still without power, DeSantis and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said during a news conference Friday. Those deaths are unconfirmed, because it’s not known if they are storm-related or not.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said during a Friday press conference that “Congress pledges to be there for those who were affected now and in the future.”
–Ariana Figueroa, Florida phoenix
Jackson1955 says
Thanks President Biden.
You are a good man.
I know will will do more than throw paper towels!
The dude says
I dunno… Florida has been pretty nasty to President Biden… he should probably withhold some of that aid.
A.j says
During the fires in California during Trump’s time in office, he ignored them sometimes. Look at Biden doing what a good leader should do. I know the Repubs will say a lot of negative things about Biden. I’m pretty sure DeSantis will have a truck load of negative words against Biden.
Dennis C Rathsam says
Biden was taken to task when word got out Biden called mayors, & not the governer…. If he was a democrat he,d be here faster than a NY minute. He waited till friday to call De Santis, hoping he would screw something up!!!! HA HA !! Our governer was ready, power is being restore in most places… Except if your still under water. I couldnt count all the power workers, & trucks, coming to help before the storm. Thanx Gov. Ron, a job well done.
Justin says
In the span of twenty months Biden sure has accomplished a great deal, inflation near an all time high, interest rates have doubled, energy costs have sky rocketed, we have provided weapons and equipment to the Taliban, our Southern border is wide open for anyone to cross with anything they like, over-does deaths are on the rise, violent crime is out of control and we are on the brink of war with Russia while China is positioning itself to take advantage of us. How does this guy have an approval rating beyond single digits?
Joe D says
It’s not the Citizens of Florida who have been disagreeable to President Biden. That has come from our Governor DeSantis. I fully expect that the President, as an honorable man, will not forget the citizens of Florida, or hold our Governor’s behavior against the general citizens
DD says
We’re just lucky it’s an election year.
Vote Blue says
Did you forget that DeSantis voted against federal aid to New York after hurricane Sandy? FEMA was here before Ian arrived and will be here long after to assist Floridians in the recovery effort. We should be happy that Biden isn’t holding a well-deserved grudge against Desantis and is looking out for the best interests of the citizens of Florida.
Handlers, not Biden speak for the US says
Biden didn’t think to himself “Im going to do everything we can for you Florida”, His handlers wrote that on his teleprompter. Biden is sadly wandering around on stage in a stupor trying to shake hands with and calling out to dead people. Give the guy some jello and peace in a rest home, he is senile as F#@&. I recently had an elderly relative go through dementia in the privacy of our family home before she passed, it is cruel to expect this man to be the face of the worlds most powerful country.
Nephew of Uncle Sam says
You might want to check your “facts” on this one. Biden has been in touch all week with the “Governor”, Duh probably has to bite his tongue asking for help but President Biden has been there all along. “Governor” graciously even mentioned him in Wednesday press conferences along with other federal agencies. Doubt #45 would have been here in “a NY minute” and when he showed up he might through a roll of paper towels to you.
William Moya says
“Just hold tight, we have to send a few billions to Ukraine before, but we’ll get to you as soon as we can, promise”.
A.j says
His approval rating should be higher.
A.j says
If he was ready why are people stoll under water. Don’t sound too ready to me. Just think he is using federal $s that all people pay taxes for. DeSantis isn’t as good as you think he is. Voted against federal funds to help N.Y. and New Jersy during Sandy years ago, now he is asking for money. Dumb Republicans.
coyote says
“I’m pretty sure DeSantis will have a truck load of negative words against Biden.”
Yeah – even as he takes all the federal aid he can get – especially if he can claim it came from him, and not Biden’s administration.
c says
Yeah, it’s a real pain when you move into a new home that the previous tenant trashed, and you have to put everything back to rights – ‘specially when the neighbors are as bad as the previous tenant, and think that it’s all cool.
Greg says
Totally agree with you Justin. There sure are a lot of koolaid libs here that presumably originated from higher latitudes with a distorted sense of reality.
Timothy Patrick Welch says
The president should have little to do, other than show boat his agenda.
Your Federal Tax dollars are not controlled by the president, unless the government is corrupt. The president is and only should be the administrator. That being said some believe he has steered support toward stanch allies.
Federal support for disaster relief are programs established by our law makers.
Timothy Patrick Welch says
Lucky…
That implies corruption at the highest levels.
Timothy Patrick Welch says
So what if the Presidents agenda differs form our Governors agenda.
His only function here is to oversee and administer relief programs without prejudice. Bending to the will of the President implies collusion and corruption.
Timothy Patrick Welch says
Lets hope Florida asks for relief for storm related damage and will not include “Pork” like others have done.
Timothy Patrick Welch says
Please do not underestimate our President…
He has served our country his entire career. Though seemingly misguided some say, he has stepped forward to serve, and the majority think he is the best America has to offer.
Timothy Patrick Welch says
Got to have priorities….
The Geode says
…the same thing I did with his “welfare stimulus checks”. Sure, I’ll take it but it doesn’t mean that I like him or vote for him…
Shark says
I wonder if t-rump used his sharpie to include Mar a Lago so he can put in for aid ???