Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Vice President Kamala Harris argue over support for hurricane recovery efforts as Hurricane Milton approaches the state.
More topics for you.This topic continues below.
Suicide bombing in Kabul kills Taliban refugee minister
Sara Duterte Denies threats, skips questioning on alleged plot against President Marcos
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has accused Vice President Kamala Harris of not helping the state after Hurricane Helene and as Hurricane Milton gets closer.
This disagreement started after news reports said DeSantis did not take Harris's calls to discuss how to help after Hurricane Helene, which recently hit Florida and other southern states.
In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, DeSantis criticized Harris for saying he was playing "political games." He insisted that his main job is to help the people of Florida.
DeSantis pointed out that Harris has been vice president for three and a half years and has not helped with any storm recovery efforts during that time.
DeSantis said, "For Kamala Harris to say that my sole focus on the people of Florida is somehow selfish is delusional. She has no role in this."
He added that Harris is trying to gain political advantage because she is not doing well in her job. He said, "I don't have time for political games."
A spokesperson for DeSantis told NBC News that he thought Harris's attempts to call him seemed political. However, DeSantis denied ignoring her calls. Harris responded by saying that DeSantis was being "utterly irresponsible" and not doing his job as governor.
The argument between DeSantis and Harris comes as Florida gets ready for Hurricane Milton, which is a Category 4 storm expected to hit the state on Wednesday.
When reporters asked DeSantis about the claims that he refused Harris's calls, he replied, "I didn't know that she had called. I'm not sure who they called. They didn't call me."
Harris said, "Moments of crisis should really be the moment that anyone who calls themselves a leader puts politics aside and puts the people first." She stressed that people need help during emergencies and that playing political games at such times is wrong and selfish.
Harris added, "It is about political games instead of doing the job that you took an oath to do." This argument shows the tension between the two leaders during an important time for Florida.
The situation has also drawn attention from other political figures. Some GOP members have faced criticism for trying to make the response to Hurricane Helene a political issue.
President Joe Biden recently called former President Donald Trump a "liar" for saying that the federal government could not help with Hurricane Helene because money was being spent on migrants.
DeSantis mentioned that he had spoken with President Biden and FEMA director Kim Kadesch before Hurricane Milton hits Florida. On Monday, the White House confirmed that President Biden approved DeSantis's request for an emergency declaration in Florida. This approval means that Florida will get federal help as it prepares for the storm.
Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center has downgraded Hurricane Milton from a Category 5 to a Category 4 storm.
In its latest update, the center warned that while the storm's strength might change, Milton is still expected to be very dangerous as it approaches Florida. Residents are advised to prepare for the storm and stay safe.
As the situation develops, both DeSantis and Harris continue to make their cases. Florida residents are looking for good leadership and support as they face the challenges from Hurricane Milton.
