say what?
The White House changed its tune in response to President Biden responding “No comment” earlier this month to questions about the deadly wildfires in Maui.
Deputy White House press secretary Olivia Dalton told the New York Times on Thursday that Biden, 80, “didn’t hear the question” when he stepped into his vehicle during his family vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Aug. 13.
“He absolutely did not say ‘No comment’ in relation to Maui,” he told the outlet. “And in fact, he was already speaking to the nation about Maui at that point, in addition to being in daily contact with senior staff, FEMA and state officials as he put together a government-wide response to the fire.”
The Times did not explain what questions the president believed he answered, nor did Dalton explain why Biden did not simply say he did not hear the reporter’s question instead of making a blanket “No comment” response.
The Aug. 8 fire killed at least 115 people and left 850 missing, according to Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen.
The White House said Thursday that President Biden “didn’t listen” to questions reporters shouted at him more than a week ago about the wildfires that claimed American lives in Maui.AFP via Getty Images
“He absolutely did not say ‘No comment’ in relation to Maui,” a White House spokesman said. AFP via Getty Images
Strong winds from Hurricane Dora fueled what became the deadliest wildfire in the US in more than a century, destroying the resort town of Lahaina.
Critics called for Biden to issue a response in the following days, but he declined to comment publicly when first asked.
On August 15, two days after the “No comment” response, the president issued his first statement about the disaster during a visit to Milwaukee, Wis., though he omitted the name of the island.
On August 8, strong winds from Hurricane Dora fueled what became the deadliest fire in the US in more than a century, destroying the resort town of Lahaina.AFP via Getty Images
“My wife, Jill, and I will go to Hawaii as soon as possible,” he said. “That is what I discussed with the governor. I don’t want to get in the way. I’ve been to too many disaster areas. But I want to go make sure we get everything they need. Want to make sure we don’t interfere with the restoration efforts that are underway.”
Some Republican presidential candidates blasted Biden for appearing to be boring about the disaster while enjoying the sand and sun in his home state of Delaware.
“To say ‘No comment’ is often fine, but to smile when you say it, especially in the face of a tragedy like this, is absolutely appalling and unacceptable,” former President Donald Trump said in an Aug. 14 video statement on Truth Social.
“My wife, Jill, and I are going to Hawaii as soon as possible,” Biden said seven days after the fire. AFP via Getty Images
“Biden is on the beach while those people suffer. He was asked about it and he said ‘No comment.’ Are you kidding me?” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at Wednesday’s Republican primary debate. “As someone handling a disaster in Florida, you have to be activated. You have to be there. You need to be present. You must help the people who do this.”
DeSantis, 44, declared a state of emergency last year to deal with Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida’s Gulf coast in late September 2022, killing 130 people.
The president signed a disaster declaration and later toured the Sunshine State with first lady Jill Biden, DeSantis and the governor’s wife, Casey, as recovery efforts began.
“To say ‘No comment’ is always good, but to smile when you say it, especially in the face of a tragedy like this, is absolutely horrible and unacceptable,” Trump said of his opponent’s response in 2020. AFP via Getty Images
Biden left another vacation spot in Lake Tahoe, Nev., Monday to visit the devastation in Maui, where residents are pleading for emergency help and jeering people hold up signs reading “No Comment.”
The oldest president is seeking re-election despite concerns about his age and mental acuity.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
