While enjoying a day at the beach in Delaware, President Joe Biden was approached by reporters seeking his comments on the devastating wildfire in Maui, which has been labeled the deadliest in the U.S. over the past century, claiming nearly 96 lives.
The damage to the historic town of Lahaina is estimated to be around $6 billion, as stated by Hawaii’s Democratic Governor Josh Green. However, Biden’s response to the catastrophe was a simple “No comment.” This reaction contrasts sharply with his previous statements emphasizing empathy and compassion.
After a couple hours on the Rehoboth beach, @potus was asked about the rising death toll in Hawaii
“No comment,” he said before heading home pic.twitter.com/Y0UmXirju9
— Justin Sink (@justinsink) August 13, 2023
For instance, during his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding, suggesting that he would be a healing force for the nation.
Yet, his recent lack of acknowledgment towards the Maui tragedy has sparked criticism and raised questions about his genuine commitment to these values. Additionally, Biden’s inconsistent acknowledgment of his family members, particularly his grandchildren, has also been a topic of discussion on social media. The previous record for the deadliest U.S. wildfire was held by the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which resulted in 85 fatalities.
