Special Poll
The White House addressed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday during a press briefing, following reports that the Republican governor has been avoiding phone calls from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris regarding hurricane relief efforts.
“It’s his decision whether he wants to respond or not,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, confirming the reports.
Jean-Pierre explained that the White House had invited DeSantis to join President Biden in surveying the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Florida. “We invited the governor to come and be with the president during the damage assessment. He chose not to attend,” she said. “The president has reached out multiple times concerning Hurricane Helene. The ball is in the governor’s court.”
Despite DeSantis’ lack of communication, Jean-Pierre reassured reporters that federal officials, including FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, have been in touch with state and local officials to coordinate storm recovery efforts.
“We’re going to continue our work,” Jean-Pierre said. “We will maintain communication with state and local officials, and we’re already preparing for Hurricane Milton, which is heading toward Florida.”
Reports indicate that DeSantis refused to speak with Vice President Harris about the hurricane relief efforts, just days after Hurricane Helene struck Florida, and with another storm, Hurricane Milton, looming.
An aide to DeSantis confirmed the governor’s decision to NBC News, stating, “Kamala was trying to reach out, and we didn’t respond,” adding that the governor was screening calls that “seemed political.”
When Biden visited Florida last week, DeSantis also declined to meet with him. According to sources, the two have not spoken over the phone, despite Biden’s attempts to reach the governor.
This development comes as Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, continues to spread false claims accusing the federal government of neglecting storm relief efforts. Last week, Trump falsely alleged that Biden hadn’t communicated with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp after Hurricane Helene, a claim both Biden and Kemp denied.