Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed allegations on Monday that he intentionally ignored a call from Vice President Kamala Harris in the days leading up to the anticipated landfall of Hurricane Milton. During a news conference focused on the state's preparations for the Category 5 storm, DeSantis refuted claims suggesting his non-response was politically motivated. "I didn't know she called me," DeSantis stated, emphasizing his lack of awareness regarding the vice president's attempt to contact him.
DeSantis, a member of the Republican Party, also mentioned that he had yet to communicate with President Joe Biden but highlighted the federal government's prompt approval of Florida's requests for emergency aid. "Everything we’ve asked for from President Biden, he has approved," he said, noting his willingness to contact the president should further assistance be necessary as Hurricane Milton approaches.
The White House, while not directly addressing the controversy over the missed call, made it clear that any communication issues were for Governor DeSantis to explain. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre remarked on recent interactions between state and federal officials, including an invitation extended to DeSantis to join President Biden in assessing damage from another storm, which DeSantis declined. Jean-Pierre underscored the administration's commitment to supporting Florida through a comprehensive and coordinated disaster response effort.
This back-and-forth comes as Florida braces for Hurricane Milton, now a major storm in the Gulf of Mexico predicted to make landfall within days. Both state and federal agencies are mobilizing resources in anticipation of significant impacts.
DeSantis, a member of the Republican Party, also mentioned that he had yet to communicate with President Joe Biden but highlighted the federal government's prompt approval of Florida's requests for emergency aid. "Everything we’ve asked for from President Biden, he has approved," he said, noting his willingness to contact the president should further assistance be necessary as Hurricane Milton approaches.
The White House, while not directly addressing the controversy over the missed call, made it clear that any communication issues were for Governor DeSantis to explain. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre remarked on recent interactions between state and federal officials, including an invitation extended to DeSantis to join President Biden in assessing damage from another storm, which DeSantis declined. Jean-Pierre underscored the administration's commitment to supporting Florida through a comprehensive and coordinated disaster response effort.
This back-and-forth comes as Florida braces for Hurricane Milton, now a major storm in the Gulf of Mexico predicted to make landfall within days. Both state and federal agencies are mobilizing resources in anticipation of significant impacts.
