President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Maui Monday to survey the damage left behind by the deadly wildfires that have ravaged the island.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that the President and First Lady would be meeting with first responders, survivors, and state and local officials to get a firsthand look at the losses suffered by Maui. The trip comes nearly a week after the wildfires first spread throughout the area, leaving a death toll that could reach up to 200 when all is said and done.
“In Maui, the President and First Lady will be welcomed by state and local leaders to see firsthand the impacts of the wildfires and the devastating loss of life and land that has occurred on the island, as well as discuss the next steps in the recovery effort,” Jean-Pierre said.
The President has been working closely with Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell, as well as Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and Governor Josh Green of Maui. Green’s team explained that the search and rescue efforts were expected to be at a stage early next week that would allow for a presidential visit.
FEMA has provided “50,000 meals, 75,000 liters of water, 5,000 cots and 10,000 blankets and shelter supplies to the county government for distribution,” the White House said. Additionally, 600 federal personnel are on the ground in Maui, according to Criswell.
“It’s that level of hope that I think is going to really be a positive impact for this community,” Criswell added.
Biden had previously commented on the tragedy in prepared remarks last Thursday and again Tuesday after criticism from Republicans, who felt that the President had been too quiet for four days.
“Imagine being a mom or dad wondering where your child is,” Biden said in his Tuesday remarks. “Imagine being a husband or wife or mother or father. It’s really tough stuff.”
REPORTER: “Can you tell us about your Hawaii trip, sir?”
BIDEN: “No, not now.”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 17, 2023
The Biden Administration has already set aside billions of dollars in disaster relief funds to help those affected, and the President’s visit points to further aid for the people of Maui and their recovery. As devastating as the island’s losses are, the Biden team is optimistic that this trip will prove a step in the right direction.
