Vice President Kamala Harris is under fire after announcing a federal aid package of $750 per person to victims of Hurricane Helene, a move that has drawn significant backlash from critics who argue the amount is woefully insufficient given the widespread devastation caused by the storm. Harris revealed the aid package during a visit to Augusta, Georgia, one of the hardest-hit areas, where she spoke about the immediate relief efforts being coordinated by FEMA.
The $750 disbursement is intended to address immediate needs such as food and basic necessities. "FEMA is providing $750 for folks who need immediate needs being met, such as food, baby formula, and the like," Harris said in her speech. She added that federal workers were going door-to-door to ensure residents could access the funds and additional assistance. However, critics quickly pounced on the figure, claiming it pales in comparison to the extensive damage caused by the hurricane, which left more than 200 people dead and destroyed thousands of homes across six southeastern states.
Among the most vocal critics was Donald Trump Jr., who took to social media to voice his outrage. "$750 for Americans in desperate need, many of whom lost everything including family," he posted on X (formerly Twitter), comparing the aid to the billions sent to foreign countries like Ukraine. Trump Jr.'s sentiment was echoed by many others, who questioned why foreign aid is prioritized over domestic relief efforts. "I can't believe what I'm hearing," wrote one user, expressing disbelief at the relatively small aid amount.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has taken a more proactive role in the relief efforts. Trump launched a GoFundMe fundraiser for Hurricane Helene victims, which has already raised over $4 million, far surpassing the federal aid initially offered. The fundraiser, organized by Trump's national finance director Meredith O'Rourke, has seen contributions from high-profile donors, including a $500,000 donation from former Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler.
In addition to Trump's efforts, billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink service has offered free internet for one month to residents in the hardest-hit areas, aiding those without communication services.
Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and Virginia, leaving thousands without power and access to essential services. President Joe Biden, alongside Harris, visited the disaster zone earlier this week, conducting aerial surveys of the damage and pledging continued support. "We will do everything in our power to help these communities rebuild," Biden stated during his visit. Biden also announced that the federal government would cover 100% of the recovery costs for the first 180 days in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
In her speech, Harris emphasized that the $750 was just one part of a larger federal relief package. She mentioned additional support for longer-term damage, including grants to help families repair homes, cover deductibles, and pay for temporary housing. FEMA had already shipped millions of meals, liters of water, and other essential supplies to affected areas. Over 8.8 million meals and 7.4 million liters of water were sent to the storm zone, along with 150 generators and 225,000 tarps.
Despite these efforts, the $750 figure remains a sticking point for many. The perception that it is inadequate in the face of widespread destruction has cast a shadow over the Biden administration's broader relief initiatives. Critics argue that while the federal government has been quick to pledge support abroad, domestic aid is lagging in comparison. The comparison to foreign aid, particularly the billions sent to Ukraine, has fueled frustration among some segments of the public.
Republicans have seized on the controversy, using it to underscore what they describe as misaligned priorities by the Biden administration. "It's another example of how this administration is out of touch with the American people," said a spokesperson for a conservative political action committee. "These are families who have lost everything, and $750 just doesn't cut it."
Harris's supporters, however, have defended her actions, emphasizing that the initial $750 is meant to provide immediate relief while more substantial assistance is being processed. FEMA has promised long-term aid, and the Biden administration has already disbursed $10 million in flexible, upfront funding to affected states. Harris's team has urged the public to view the aid package as a comprehensive effort involving both immediate and extended support for rebuilding communities.
