President Joe Biden Urges Nation to Unite in Rebuilding a “Stronger” Maui After Devastating Wildfires and Hurricane Idalia

President Joe Biden addressed the nation in a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding a “stronger” Maui in the wake of the island’s devastating wildfires and the federal government’s role in assisting states affected by Hurricane Idalia.

The Category 3 hurricane made landfall Wednesday morning in Florida, weakening as it moved up the eastern coast of the United States. It dumped heavy rain and rising storm surges on vulnerable communities, and Biden urged residents in the southeast to remain vigilant as Idalia makes its way through Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Biden said he had spoken with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and had directed Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell to fly to the state to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. He also said he had directed the Department of Health and Human Services to provide assistance to those affected by the storm.

The president also addressed the climate crisis, saying that no one can deny its impact anymore. He noted that infrastructure improvements made during the Obama-Biden years are benefiting Florida now.

Biden concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of working together to rebuild and recover from the storm. He said that the federal government will continue to provide assistance to those affected by Hurricane Idalia, and that the nation must continue to work together to address the climate crisis.