Vice President Kamala Harris cuts short her campaign trip to return to Washington over briefings on the federal response to Hurricane Helene. The storm has caused at least 90 deaths and widespread damage across several states in the Southeastern US.
The plan changes occurred after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump criticized the Democratic government for their non-involvement in the disaster response while visiting the region. The storm hit residents in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia the most, where dozens of lives were lost and millions faced power outages and vandalized roads.
On returning to Washington, Harris received a briefing from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the federal storm after returning from raising money in California and rallying voters in the crucial election state of Nevada.
The VP’s campaign train, which is reportedly gaining ground over Trump nationwide, has also announced that it has stopped campaigns in two other swing states – Pennsylvania and Michigan on Wednesday and Friday, respectively.
Harris and Trump Halt Campaign Train to Visit Hurricane Victims
Following the Sunday briefings, Harris described the devastation as "heartbreaking", while saying the federal government "will continue to do everything we can to help you recover to help you rebuild no matter how long it takes."
Harris also spoke with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp – two Republicans – and Democrat Governor Roy Cooper to discuss their potential needs, according to the official. North Carolina is part of a few states that could decide who wins the US November 2024 elections.
Harris' campaign train says she will visit impacted populations shortly without disrupting emergency response operations. While speaking at a rally in Las Vegas, Harris said, "We stand with these communities for as long as it takes to make sure that they can recover and rebuild."
“We will provide whatever help they need in disrupting emergency response operations," she added. Meanwhile, over 3,300 federal personnel have been dispatched in the government’s response to the hurricane. The personnel ranged from search and rescue professionals to other sectors like electricity power officials, according to Biden’s administration.
Meanwhile, former President Trump has visited Valdosta, Georgia, to provide supplies to relief workers and receive a briefing from officials. The GOP nominee said it was time to shelve politics aside and concentrate on assisting those affected by the storm.
He remarks, "At a time like this when a crisis hits, when our fellow citizens cry out in need, none of that matters. We're not talking about politics now. We have to all get together and get this solved."
Final Remarks
VP Harris cuts campaign trips short for Hurricane Helene briefings. The Democratic nominee intends to visit impacted communities and provide relief supplies to rescue officials. Meanwhile, President Trump has also altered his campaign train for the same reason, verbally exalting rehabilitating affected communities over politics.