Former President Donald Trump posted a video to Truth Social and addressed the devastating wildfires in Maui.
He said, “The sad thing is it should never have happened. Our government was not prepared.”
Statement from President Donald J. Trump on Devastating Maui Wildfires pic.twitter.com/ReHhmhfYj6
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) August 14, 2023
Trump called out Hawaii Gov. Josh Green for politicizing the situation and then condemned President Joe Biden’s response for offering a “no comment” and a smile when asked about it.
Biden faced harsh criticism after his reported “no comment” response Sunday, IJR reported.
Trump said, “It is a disgraceful thing that Joe Biden refuses to help or comment on the tragedy in Maui.”
He compared this to when Biden took weeks to address the East Palestine train derailment in Ohio, which spilled toxic chemicals in the small town.
According to RSBN, Biden avoided the area while Trump visited the small town and brought supplies, clean water, and told the people involved that they are “not forgotten.”
Now, after Biden’s lack of comment on the Hawaii wildfires sparked outrage, Trump spoke up for those affected. He said, “Hopefully everyone will be able to pull together so that a horrible situation does not get even worse.”
He offered his “love and sympathy” and said, “Nothing can ever replace your loved ones.”
Trump spoke about remembering the legacy of those who perished and their love.
“I love you all very much,” he concluded.
Biden did offer his condolences Monday. He posted to X, formerly Twitter, stating, “As residents of Hawai’i mourn the loss of life and devastation taking place across their beautiful home, we mourn with them.”
As residents of Hawai'i mourn the loss of life and devastation taking place across their beautiful home, we mourn with them.
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 14, 2023
Like I've said, not only our prayers are with those impacted – but every asset we have will be available to them.
Here's the latest:
He noted that FEMA is assisting residents with temporary shelter and that anyone seeking information on the whereabouts of missing loved ones should call 1-800-621-3362, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, or use the FEMA app.
In addition, he is offering “a one-time $700 payment per household.”
This has been criticized as not enough as many people lost their loved ones, their homes, and their vehicles.
$700 per household for Americans whose homes were razed during a preventable disaster. People stood in the ocean watching their community disintegrate and their neighbors burn to death.
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) August 15, 2023
Seven. Hundred. Lousy. Dollars.
But $113 BILLION to Ukraine.
Good job, Big Guy. pic.twitter.com/UsWOb4GHx8
Actor James Woods said, “Seven. Hundred. Lousy. Dollars.” He then compared this amount to the billions spent on the war in Ukraine.
Trump would be in Hawaii right now if he were president, not lallygagging at the beach.
— James Bradley (@JamesBradleyCA) August 14, 2023
And he definitely would have a comment.
Veteran James Bradley noted, “Trump would be in Hawaii right now if he were president, not lallygagging at the beach.”