The White House has expressed disappointment over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' reported refusal to answer calls from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and as preparations are underway for Hurricane Milton. White House officials stated that Governor DeSantis has not responded to multiple attempts by Vice President Harris to reach out to him following the impact of Hurricane Helene on the state.
During President Biden's recent visit to Florida to assess storm damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Governor DeSantis opted not to accompany him. Instead, the governor held a news conference in a location four hours away from where President Biden was touring the affected areas.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that President Biden had made efforts to communicate with Governor DeSantis regarding the hurricane situations in Florida but ultimately, the decision to respond lies with the governor himself.
Requests for comments from the White House, the Harris campaign, and Governor DeSantis' office regarding the situation have been made. This is not the first instance where Governor DeSantis has chosen not to meet with President Biden following a natural disaster. In 2023, he declined a meeting with the President during a visit to Florida after Hurricane Idalia struck the state.
