Lhe American President Joe Biden on Monday accused his predecessor Donald Trump of “lying” when the latter criticized him for not having responded adequately to the devastation of Hurricane Helen in the southeast of the United States.
“He’s lying,” the American president said, virulently, during a brief exchange with the press in the Oval Office, adding: “I don’t know why he’s doing that, and what makes me angry (is that he) implies that we are not doing everything that is possible. (…) It’s false and it’s irresponsible.”
At least 118 people have lost their lives and 600 people are still missing, according to President Joe Biden, who warned that the toll could still seriously rise.
This is one of the most devastating hurricanes in recent decades, according to American media.
“No doubt”
And for Joe Biden, there is “no doubt” that these devastations are due to climate change which, by warming the waters of the seas, makes, according to scientists, the rapid intensification of storms more likely and increases the risk of more powerful hurricanes.
Donald Trump visited Valdosta, a disaster-stricken town in Georgia, on Monday. The Republican presidential candidate in November pledged to “bring lots of relief supplies, including fuel, equipment and water” to those in need.
“The federal state is not responsive,” the former president lambasted on the spot, after earlier accusing the government and Democratic authorities of North Carolina of “deliberately not helping people in Republican areas.”
“He’s lying,” retorted a virulent Joe Biden. “What makes me angry (is that he) is implying that we are not doing everything that is possible. (…) It’s false and it’s irresponsible.”
Outgoing President Joe Biden has brushed aside criticism from Republicans over his handling of the crisis. “I spent at least two hours on the phone yesterday, as well as the day before,” he retorted, assuring that the federal authorities would be “there as long as necessary.”
The Democrat also announced that he would travel to North Carolina on Wednesday. He had previously indicated that he would not travel as long as it could disrupt relief operations.
