Kamala Harris Criticizes Trump’s Hurricane Misinformation During North Carolina Speech

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a predominantly Black church audience in battleground North Carolina on Sunday, condemning former President Donald Trump for spreading misinformation about the government’s response to recent hurricanes. Speaking at the Koinonia Christian Center in Greenville, Harris accused Trump of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

“They are trying to gain some advantage for themselves, to play politics with other people’s heartbreak, and it is unconscionable,” Harris said. “Now is not a time to incite fear. It is not right to make people feel alone.”

Unspoken but Clear Target

While Harris avoided directly naming Trump, her remarks clearly targeted the former president, who has been outspoken in his criticism of the Biden administration’s response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Both storms severely impacted Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

“There are some who are not acting in the spirit of community,” Harris added. “They are lying about those working hard to help people in need, spreading disinformation when truth and facts are required.”

Trump, appearing on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” falsely claimed the Biden administration withheld federal aid from Republican regions affected by the storms. He alleged that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had exhausted resources due to funds being allocated to programs assisting undocumented immigrants.

Biden’s Second Visit to Florida

On the same day, President Joe Biden made his second trip to Florida this month to assess hurricane damage. From a helicopter flight over the Tampa area, Biden surveyed damage to Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, and saw neighborhoods devastated by flooding. The president praised the quick response of first responders, including teams from Canada.

“It’s in moments like this that we come together, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans,” Biden said.

Harris Pushes for Black Voter Turnout

Harris’ North Carolina visit was part of her campaign’s “Souls to the Polls” initiative, aimed at mobilizing Black voters ahead of the November 5 election. Speaking to approximately 7,000 supporters at East Carolina University, she suggested that Trump’s team had prevented him from releasing medical records or debating her, hinting at concerns over his health and stability.

Harris’ efforts underscore the importance of Black voter turnout in battleground states like North Carolina. Polls indicate that Black voters generally view Harris favorably and Trump unfavorably, but there remains uncertainty about whether Harris would significantly improve their lives.

Federal Aid and Hurricane Aftermath

In addition to promoting voter participation, Harris and Biden have been vocal about the need for a swift federal response to hurricane relief. During his Florida visit, Biden announced $612 million in funding for Department of Energy projects to strengthen the state’s electric grid, with Gainesville Regional Utilities and Florida Power and Light among the beneficiaries.

With hurricane season still ongoing, both leaders emphasized the importance of preparedness. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stressed the need for strategic planning, warning of the risk of future disasters such as tornadoes and wildfires.

“We have to be ready for whatever comes next,” Mayorkas said.

The Political Storm

As the election approaches, the hurricanes have added a new layer of complexity to the already contentious race. Harris and Biden continue to criticize Trump for spreading falsehoods about the federal response, while Trump maintains his attacks on the administration.

Biden has urged Congress to ensure that FEMA and the Small Business Administration have adequate funding to continue providing aid through the end of hurricane season on November 30.

Hurricane Milton, the most recent storm, made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, causing significant destruction. The death toll currently stands at 10, and hundreds of thousands of residents remain without power. Officials say the toll could have been higher without the widespread evacuations.