Vice President Kamala Harris faces backlash after pledging $157 million in aid to Lebanon while Americans struggle with Hurricane Helene recovery.
At a Glance
- Harris announced $157 million in aid to Lebanon, sparking criticism amid domestic hurricane recovery efforts
- Critics, including James Woods and Gov. Greg Abbott, called the move tone-deaf
- Hurricane Helene caused 227 deaths, the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina
- FEMA allocated $47 million in disaster assistance for Helene’s impact
- The Biden administration faces accusations of prioritizing foreign aid over domestic needs
Harris’s Lebanon Aid Announcement Draws Criticism
Vice President Kamala Harris has come under fire for announcing $157 million in aid to Lebanon while parts of the United States, particularly North Carolina, are still reeling from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. The announcement, which brings the total U.S. assistance to Lebanon over the last year to over $385 million, has been met with sharp criticism from various public figures and lawmakers.
Harris justified the aid package by stating, “The people of Lebanon are facing an increasingly dire humanitarian situation. I am concerned about the security and well-being of civilians suffering in Lebanon and will continue working to help meet the needs of all civilians there.” However, this explanation has done little to quell the outrage from those who believe domestic needs should take precedence.
The people of Lebanon are facing an increasingly dire humanitarian situation. I am concerned about the security and well-being of civilians suffering in Lebanon and will continue working to help meet the needs of all civilians there.
To that end, the United States will provide…
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) October 5, 2024
Domestic Recovery Efforts and Political Fallout
The timing of Harris’s announcement couldn’t have been worse, coming as millions in the Southeast U.S. grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm has claimed at least 227 lives across six states, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina in 2005. FEMA has designated $47 million in disaster assistance for Helene’s impact, a figure that pales in comparison to the Lebanon aid package.
“This has to be fake. Even Kamala Harris, the gold standard of stupid, isn’t stupid enough to post this,” actor James Woods said on X Saturday. “Certainly not while North Carolinians are pulling the bodies of their neighbors from the wreckage. It’s simply inconceivable.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott echoed this sentiment, stating, “Kamala is touting giving money to the people of Lebanon-while stiff-arming the humanitarian crisis in North Carolina. This is Kamala’s Katrina.” These comments reflect a growing concern that the administration may be overlooking pressing domestic needs in favor of international obligations.
Political Implications and Administration’s Response
The controversy has quickly become a contentious issue in the ongoing presidential race. Former President Donald Trump and his campaign have seized on the opportunity to criticize the Biden administration, falsely claiming that federal funds are being diverted from domestic disaster relief to international efforts. President Biden has accused Trump of lying about FEMA funds, referencing a past redirection of $155 million for immigration enforcement during Trump’s presidency.
In an attempt to address the criticism, Harris announced $100 million in emergency relief for North Carolina to repair flood damage from Hurricane Helene. She also visited the state to meet with those affected by the hurricane and helped assemble relief kits. However, these efforts have done little to silence her critics, who continue to question the administration’s priorities.
Congressional Response and Future Funding
The controversy has also highlighted potential issues with future disaster relief funding. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that Congress will not be called out of recess for emergency funding for Hurricane Helene recovery, saying, “That’s 30 days from now. The thing about these hurricanes and disasters at this magnitude is it takes a while to calculate the actual damages, and the states are going to need some time to do that.”
This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some lawmakers urging Congress to return early to address aid packages. As the debate continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing political leaders in balancing international commitments with pressing domestic needs, especially in times of crisis.
