President Biden Addresses Hurricane Milton Preparations

In a recent update from the White House, President Biden provided critical information regarding Hurricane Milton, emphasizing the administration's focus on ensuring the safety and support of affected communities.

Seated at a table surrounded by key aides, including Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, President Biden began by announcing his decision to cancel upcoming trips to Germany and Angola. He stated, “I just don't think I can be out of the country at this time,” prioritizing the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.

The president warned that Hurricane Milton could be "one of the worst storms in 100 years in Florida," and he has directed his team to prioritize life-saving measures. He assured that all resources would be made available to assist communities before, during, and after the storm. Biden noted that he has been in constant communication with political leaders in the region, emphasizing a commitment to meeting their needs: “Anything they ask for, they will get.”

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, President Biden described the potential for devastating storm surges and reiterated the importance of heeding local officials’ advice. He urged airlines and other companies to provide as much service as possible for evacuations while avoiding price gouging.

At the end of the briefing, the president addressed concerns regarding misinformation from political figures. He stated, “If past is prologue, it’s real,” expressing concern over the impact such misinformation could have on public safety. He praised cooperative efforts from governors in storm-affected states, including Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, but condemned those who spread false information during crises.

President Biden concluded by reaffirming his commitment to travel to Africa and engage with international leaders when it is safe to do so, stating, “I still plan on going to Africa.”

This briefing was attended by a range of officials, including Acting Secretaries from various departments and senior advisors, all focused on coordinating the federal response to the impending hurricane. The administration's proactive stance reflects a comprehensive effort to manage both the immediate dangers of Hurricane Milton and the ongoing recovery challenges posed by the previous storm Helene.