Topline
President Joe Biden announced Tuesday he and first lady Jill Biden will visit the site of the deadly wildfires that have killed at least 99 in Hawaii “as soon as we can,” an announcement that comes after continued criticism over the president’s relative inaction in the early days of the crisis, according to multiple news organizations.
President Joe Biden speaks at Ingeteteam Inc., in Milwaukee, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. During his trip … [+] to Wisconsin, the president announced he’d be visiting Hawaii to survey the wildfire damages. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Key Facts
During a speech in Wisconsin, Biden said “I want to go, make sure we’ve got everything they need,” but said he “want[s] to make sure we don’t disrupt the ongoing recovery efforts” during his visit.
He said he’ll “be there in Maui as long as it takes” and make sure the community and first responders have “every asset they need.”
This announcement comes after days of criticism lobbied at the president for not visiting or addressing the disaster sooner, including when Biden responded to repeated questions about the fires by saying “no comment” while vacationing on the beach in Delaware over the weekend.
Cheif Critics
Former President Donald Trump, who is running for president again, called Biden’s response to the wildfires “disgraceful” in a video posted online Monday. Trump referenced Biden’s “no comment” remark and called him “the most incompetent president in the history of our country.” Others have also seized on Biden’s no-comment, including former Democratic Hawaii state Rep. Mark Kaniela Ing who wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, in a now-deleted post: “I campaigned for you. Now, when I lose dozens of my friends, family, and neighbors. This?” Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida) took the opportunity to criticize Biden for both his response to the Hawaiian wildfires and his support of the Ukrainian war effort, saying in a video posted online Monday that “the people of Hawaii are far more important than places like Ukraine.” She accused Biden of “actively ignoring” what’s going on in Hawaii while sending over $100 billion to Ukraine.
Contra
Meanwhile, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green praised Biden for his response, telling MSNBC: “It was incredible.” He specifically thanked Biden for approving a presidential declaration within six hours to allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to respond quickly.
Key Background
The fires have burned more than 2,5000 acres in Lahaina and Kula and are the deadliest in Hawaii’s history. In addition to killing at least 99, 1,300 people are missing and the fire has claimed several historic structures in Lahaina, the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Last week, Biden called the fires a “major disaster” and ordered federal aid to provide grants for temporary housing and home repairs, among other recovery programs. Green estimated the recovery efforts could cost $5.5 billion.
Further Reading
99 Killed In Hawaii Fire And 1,300 Missing As Governor Warns Death Toll Expected To Rise (Forbes)
Maui Wildfire Becomes Deadliest U.S. Blaze In Over A Century—Surpassing These Other Fires (Forbes)
