Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has not spoken with Vice President Kamala Harris or President Joe Biden regarding the hurricane response following Hurricane Helene. DeSantis’s office stated that Harris’s calls appeared political, so they did not answer, and he was not available to take Biden’s call due to a prior engagement. DeSantis has been in direct communication with FEMA Director Deanne Criswell. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned that the White House invited DeSantis to survey the storm damage with Biden, but DeSantis opted out. In response to reports about political interference in hurricane response, Harris emphasized the need for putting people first during times of crisis and criticized any political games being played. DeSantis initiated Operation Blue Ridge, sending Florida resources to North Carolina after Helene caused historic flooding in the area. With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida midweek, DeSantis is preparing for potential impact. Despite positive feedback from other governors, there has been little effort from Biden’s administration to reach out to DeSantis regarding the approaching storm. Former President Donald Trump has also been involved in hurricane response efforts, pushing false information and engaging in relief efforts in Georgia following Helene’s devastation.
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