Vice President Kamala Harris is facing growing backlash for her delayed response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
Media figures and political opponents have slammed Harris for attending a Hollywood fundraiser in Los Angeles while the southeastern U.S. was grappling with one of the worst natural disasters in decades.
The criticism reached new heights after conservative commentator Megyn Kelly publicly condemned Harris for socializing with celebrities during the ongoing crisis.
On her Monday show, Kelly did not hold back in her criticism, calling out Harris for prioritizing a glitzy fundraiser over the victims of the hurricane. “Last night, well into the devastation—the loss of life, men, women, children, pets, the entire destruction of communities—Kamala Harris attended an L.A. fundraiser,” Kelly said, her voice thick with disbelief. “The devastation was ongoing. How dare she!”
The Sunday fundraiser in question took place in Los Angeles, where Harris mingled with stars like Demi Lovato, Jessica Alba, and Stevie Wonder, as well as prominent studio executives such as Universal’s Donna Langley and former Disney chief Jeffrey Katzenberg.
The menu reportedly included upscale dishes such as Beef Wellington, lobster rolls, and duck egg rolls, adding fuel to the criticism as many hurricane victims in the Southeast struggled with basic necessities.
Harris’ attendance at the event coincided with the rising death toll from Hurricane Helene, which has now claimed more than 130 lives, with hundreds still missing.
The storm, which has battered parts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, is being described as the worst natural disaster to hit western North Carolina and Georgia in decades.
Flooding, power outages, and destroyed infrastructure have left communities reeling, with rescue efforts still ongoing as many areas remain inaccessible due to storm damage.
Amid the crisis, former President Donald Trump made headlines of his own by arriving in Georgia on Monday to personally deliver truckloads of relief supplies, including food, water, and gasoline.
Trump’s appearance in the disaster zone drew sharp contrast to Harris’ actions, as he toured hard-hit areas and met with survivors. Many have noted that Trump’s hands-on approach is likely to boost his image among voters, particularly in the hurricane-ravaged Southeast.
In response to the growing criticism, Harris cut short her fundraising tour on Monday and returned to Washington, D.C. Despite the move, the damage to her image may have already been done.
Her delayed return to address the crisis has become a political liability, casting doubt on her ability to handle emergencies and reinforcing the narrative among her critics that she is unprepared for the pressures of the presidency.
Kelly wasn’t the only figure to criticize Harris’ decision to attend the star-studded event. Several commentators and politicians have echoed similar sentiments, questioning the vice president’s priorities.
They argue that her presence at a Hollywood fundraiser, while parts of the country were struggling with disaster recovery, underscores a disconnect between the administration and the American people.
The timing of Harris’ actions is particularly damaging as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Harris, who is running to secure the Democratic nomination, is facing an uphill battle against both internal and external criticism.
Her opponents have seized on her perceived missteps, with some suggesting that her attendance at the fundraiser could harm her campaign in key battleground states, including Georgia and North Carolina, where the hurricane’s impact has been most severe.
Adding to the controversy, Harris appeared unwilling to engage with the media when she returned to Washington. During a FEMA briefing late Monday, Harris participated in a photo-op but declined to take questions from reporters.
She smiled for the cameras but made no public statements about her plans for addressing the ongoing recovery efforts. This decision has only fueled further criticism, with detractors accusing her of being evasive and out of touch.
In contrast, former President Trump’s visit to the disaster zone drew widespread media attention, with many outlets showing footage of his team distributing essential supplies to local residents.
Trump took the opportunity to speak directly to those affected, promising continued support and taking several questions from the press. His actions are being seen as a well-timed political maneuver, particularly in light of the ongoing criticism of the current administration’s response.
As the fallout from Hurricane Helene continues, the political repercussions for Harris are becoming clearer. Her decision to prioritize a fundraiser over the immediate needs of hurricane victims has become a focal point for her opponents, providing them with ammunition as the election cycle heats up.
While Harris may have returned to Washington to focus on recovery efforts, the narrative surrounding her response to the crisis is unlikely to fade quickly.
The broader context of the disaster only heightens the criticism. Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction across the Southeast, with widespread flooding, power outages, and infrastructure damage.
The hurricane has claimed lives, displaced thousands of people, and left many communities struggling to recover. The recovery effort is expected to take months, if not longer, and will require significant federal assistance.
For now, Harris must contend with the political fallout from her actions, which have raised questions about her leadership at a critical time.
Whether or not she can recover from this misstep remains to be seen, but it is clear that her handling of the situation has become a major talking point in the 2024 presidential race.
As the storm’s aftermath continues to unfold, Harris faces an uphill battle in regaining public trust and proving her ability to lead in times of crisis.