Biden Criticizes Climate Change Denial During Helene Recovery

During a visit to assess damage from Hurricane Helene, President Joe Biden condemned climate change skeptics, stating that those who deny its impact 'must be brain dead'. He emphasized that the climate crisis is intensifying storms like Helene, which has resulted in at least 189 fatalities across six states, with significant destruction in North Carolina. Biden urged Americans to prioritize recovery efforts over political divisions, declaring, 'There are no Democrats or Republicans, only Americans.' He announced federal assistance measures, including the deployment of 1,000 troops for recovery efforts, and pledged to cover debris removal costs for six months. His remarks, however, drew criticism, particularly from former President Trump, who mocked Biden's comments and the administration's emergency response. The president's statements and the ongoing recovery efforts highlight the intersection of climate policy and disaster management in the current political climate.