Originally published August 16, 2023 7:17 am PDT
The White House has confirmed that President Biden will visit Maui next week to survey the aftermath of the island’s devastating fires.
According to local officials, the fires have tragically claimed over 100 lives, a number feared to climb further.
Witnesses have given harrowing accounts of individuals fleeing into the sea to evade the encroaching flames.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who is currently being sued for discrimination against an African reporter, remarked, “The President and First Lady will travel to Maui on Monday, August 21 to meet with first responders, survivors, as well as federal, state, and local officials, in the wake of deadly wildfires on the island.”
“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,” she continued.
The scope of the disaster has been so vast that the National Fire Protection Association stated these fires are the most lethal the U.S. has seen in over a century.
Following his initial remarks on the tragedy last Thursday, President Biden faced scrutiny for not making further public statements on the matter until a recent appearance in Wisconsin.
His weekend stay in Delaware also drew criticism, particularly from Republican voices, who felt that he could have been more proactive in addressing the disaster.
To aid the island’s recovery, Biden has mobilized nearly 500 federal staff to Maui and also sanctioned a major disaster declaration to facilitate additional help.
To stay up-to-date on developments, the President engaged in discussions with Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz.
In light of the Maui tragedy, former President Donald Trump conveyed his sentiments through a video message.
“I would like to express my sympathy and warmest regards to the people of Hawaii, and specifically all of those who have been so gravely and irreparably hurt by the tragedy of the wildfires in Maui, something the likes of which have seldom been seen anywhere at any time,” Trump said.
Additionally, he criticized Biden’s handling of the situation, stating his response was “horrible and unacceptable.”
