American reactions to the federal government’s disaster response after Hurricane Helene continues to be sharply negative. Now, with Hurricane Milton destruction, opinions of VP Harris and DHS Secretary Mayorkas are overwhelmingly negative. Voters distaste for their leadership, disaster preparedness, and resource allocation.

Many are criticizing Mayorkas for his unwillingness to respond to criticisms that he was attending an award ceremony while natural disasters were ongoing for citizens.

Mayorkas put on the spot 💥

CNN host: As Hurricane Helene was making landfall, Biden was at the beach, Kamala was flying between ritzy California fundraisers, and you were at an awards ceremony in Los Angeles. How do you respond to these allegations?pic.twitter.com/eJB1O6uNsb

— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) October 9, 2024

There are also reports criticizing Mayorkas, Biden, and Harris for shopping, lounging on the beach, and toasting a beer on The Late Show amid serious safety threats and destruction after Helene and before Milton

This is where your President, Vice President, and DHS Secretary were as Americans were drowning from Hurricane Helene & fleeing for their lives from Hurricane Milton. pic.twitter.com/sg8nqzLnfN

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 9, 2024

What Voters are Saying

• 77% of voters voice strong negative sentiment toward leadership and their response to disaster relief.
• 90% of Republicans drive the discussion, expressing negativity about disaster response and preparedness.
• 81% express dissatisfaction with Mayorkas, often calling him incompetent.
• There is widespread frustration regarding FEMA funds and resources being directed toward illegal immigrants.
• Americans make accusations negligence and callous responses to disaster recovery efforts.
• Many also voice distrust in media reporting and election impacts for voters in disaster zones.

Political Criticism

Public sentiment about federal leadership during natural disasters is highly polarized. Discussions heavily focus on accusations that the current administration has mismanaged disaster recovery efforts. There is frustration among citizens who feel the federal response has been both inadequate and insulting.

Many directly compare the actions of the Biden administration unfavorably to those of previous leadership, particularly former President Trump, and express a desire for a change in leadership.

Mayorkas Incompetence

Americans are harsh in discussions about Secretary Mayorkas. They criticize his actions and decisions regarding FEMA and disaster relief but do not limit their criticism, also mentioning his failures on border security.

People describe Mayorkas’s leadership as "criminally incompetent," with public outcry calling for accountability by his impeachment or resignation. This criticism is exacerbated by reports that FEMA has billions in unspent disaster relief funds, despite his public claims of shortages.

This topic has resonated strongly with 80% of working-class voices, particularly those already burdened by economic hardships who feel neglected by federal aid. The language used in these discussions—terms like "betrayal" and "dishonesty"—illustrates a profound sense of abandonment by the government during times of crisis.

Mismanaged Funds and Negligence

Discussions around funding accuse FEMA of negligence and even animosity toward natural disaster victims. People criticize the federal government for its failure to help citizens, preferring to focus on “misinformation” and the comfort of FEMA workers.

Despite obstructing relief efforts, @FEMA’s Criswell says criticizing her agency is “dangerous”:

“It has a tremendous impact on the comfort level of our own employees … When you have this dangerous rhetoric like you’re hearing, it creates fear in our own employees” pic.twitter.com/ProJObu7fc

— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) October 6, 2024

Funding discussions are saturated with criticism of FEMA for directing resources towards illegal immigrants at the expense of disaster preparedness. These criticisms are particularly poignant among rural residents, who feel that disaster recovery resources are disproportionately directed toward urban areas. They feel they’re being left to fend for themselves.

Hurricane Helene fallout is still ongoing as recovery and rescue efforts have not stopped a week later. The American public is becoming more explicitly angry with the federal government's response including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Alejandro Mayorkas, and FEMA.

The ongoing recovery efforts reveal a troubling narrative about priorities and leadership that may carry significant implications for Americans across the country. Locals on the ground and civilian rescue and aid teams are sharing widespread reports that federal rescue efforts are absent, and FEMA agents are blocking or confiscating civilian efforts.

Just received this note from a SpaceX engineer helping on the ground in North Carolina. @FEMA is not merely failing to adequately help people in trouble, but is actively blocking citizens who try to help!

“Hey Elon, update here on site of Asheville, NC. We have powered up two…

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024

In spite of multiple accounts of government hinderance from many on-the-ground sources including influential figures like Elon Musk and Glenn Beck, FEMA and Red Cross are warning citizens about “misinformation” on social media, drawing even more backlash.

There has been a lot of rumors spreading about the #Helene response.

Rumors can create confusion & prevent people from getting assistance they need. Help us share accurate information: https://t.co/Z5vxuBTths pic.twitter.com/U3DCtmC1LN

— FEMA (@fema) October 3, 2024

Recovery Efforts are Civilian

Local communities are working tirelessly to begin the long road of recovery from Helene’s destruction. On-the-ground reporting indicates many residents are still stranded due to roads being completely washed away. Many still lack necessities like food, water, clothes, and sanitation. First responders, local agencies, and volunteers are laboring around the clock to restore order and deliver aid, using helicopters, mules, goats, ATVs, boats, and going on foot.

Many are speaking up about the horrific failure of federal response, which they describe as nearly nonexistent. There are also reports that FEMA whistleblowers are sounding the alarm on stand-down orders and lack of deployment.

BREAKING: FEMA whistleblowers have come forward alleging that the agency misappropriated funds in the wake of Helene, withheld pre-disaster aid, and that first responders and service members have been waiting in hotels without deployment orders. pic.twitter.com/uf0XrspRTz

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 4, 2024

Civilian rescue operations being shut down also anger many Americans who watch in horror as friends and neighbors face the most devastating loss of their lives. A viral report of a civilian helicopter pilot being threatened with arrest if he continued to rescue people from inaccessible areas is drawing criticism.

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐍𝐂: Remember the 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 if he continued to do rescues in Western NC? 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝?… pic.twitter.com/0WiUVDog1n

— NONBidenary (@KellyLMcCarty) October 4, 2024

Voter Reactions to Government Failures

MIG Reports data shows:

• 70% of Americans believe the federal response has been laughable and that damage from the hurricane is underreported by officials and the media.
• 62% are outraged about FEMA funds being given to illegal immigrants instead of American hurricane victims.
• 52% criticize Biden and Harris’s leadership during the hurricane as offensive and lacking urgency.
• 55% say lawmakers should be held accountable for voting against supplemental disaster aid for FEMA and more foreign aid.
• 65% believe the government prioritizes illegal immigrants over Americans.

The backlash against the Biden-Harris administration is palpable, especially concerning FEMA and Alejandro Mayorkas. Many express feelings of anger, betrayal, and disillusionment. Any positivity in these discussions is directed toward local and civilian efforts to help friends and neighbors.

Disillusionment, Anger, and Betrayal

Americans feel betrayed by a government they believe is actively working to thwart recovery. Reports that the federal government has spent more than $1 billion on shelter for illegal immigrants is causing American fury. The insult is compounded by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden announcing Hurricane Helene victims could receive up to $750 in aid.

Kamala is on the ground in Georgia two days after President Trump’s visit to offer those who’ve lost everything $750. Don’t spend it all at once.

If you were Ukrainian or a migrant you’d qualify for more assistance, but you’re just an American citizen, so don’t expect much. pic.twitter.com/9zT8VPS1SB

— Bad Hombre (@joma_gc) October 2, 2024

The anger is bolstered by a series of public comments and events from government officials which feel like a slap in the face to Americans. The feelings of betrayal and anger are widespread, fostering a growing rift between the public and their leaders.

On October 3, in the midst of ongoing recovery efforts, Kamala Harris posted photos of a campaign event with Liz Cheney with the tag line “Country Over Party.” Many voters sarcastically replied that the event was celebrating the country being over.

Country over party. pic.twitter.com/7A4SltBhUN

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 4, 2024

Voter reactions reveal a pervasive belief that American citizens are being overlooked in favor of illegal immigrants. The cries of frustration about government spending priorities resonate deeply across the country. Many also highlight a broader concern about the incompetence, negligence, and event hostility of the federal government.

Implications for the 2024 Election

The anger and frustration about Hurricane Helene may galvanize voters who feel ignored and persecuted by the government. However, many also express concern about Americans in severely impacted areas being able to vote at all.

Anger toward FEMA also includes accusations of optics management and photo ops while government workers sit on their hands. DHS Secretary Mayorkas’s announcement that FEMA likely doesn’t have enough money to make it through hurricane season also generated widespread backlash, with many pointing out his statement from just months again claiming FEMA was "tremendously prepared."

.@FEMA is focused on ensuring #Helene survivors get the assistance they need. I'm overseeing the NC response efforts among our local, state, tribal, & federal partners. The path to recovery is challenging, but it's possible & we'll be with these communities every step of the way. pic.twitter.com/dr6iNLlkvf

— Deanne Criswell (@FEMA_Deanne) October 3, 2024

A final slap in the face to Americans suffering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene came in a clip of Joe Biden completely forgetting about the storm. When asked what victims in the storm zones need, Biden said, “They’re getting everything they need. They’re happy, across the board.”

HOLY SH*T!

REPORTER: “What do the states in the storm zone need after what you saw today?”

BIDEN CONFUSE: “Oh, the storm zone. I'm with what storm they're talking about.” pic.twitter.com/cEprvVJxek

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) October 3, 2024

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to devastate the Southeast, with hundreds dead and missing and thousands losing property and possessions. The scale of the damage has left communities reeling as many face the daunting task of what to do next.

In particular, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee face a long road to recovery, with floodwaters still high, homes destroyed, and infrastructure in ruins. Rescue efforts are a topic of discussion across America as relief is still painfully slow, even five days later. For rural Appalachia, already struggling with poverty and limited resources, the storm has intensified a sense of abandonment. People are left wondering when—or if—meaningful help will arrive.

Many Americans are furious with the federal government, who they say is leaving them in the lurch and not showing up to help. Viral clips of Joe Biden saying there are no more federal resources to be given infuriates families still in the midst of life-altering destruction.

Biden on Hurricane Helene:

Reporter: "Do you have any words to the victims of the hurricane?"

Biden: "We've given everything that we have."

Reporter "Are there any more resources the federal government could be giving them?"

Biden: "No."

pic.twitter.com/ZavQQFd2xq

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) September 30, 2024

Victims Still in Critical Need

For thousands impacted by Helene, there is a sustained sense of desperation. Whole towns and communities have been wiped out and many people are still trapped or missing, making the lack of timely federal aid feel like a slap in the face. Roads are destroyed, water and electricity infrastructure are inoperable, damage to homes and cars make escaping or sheltering difficult, and many are asking where FEMA and government rescue efforts are.

This woman has family trapped in Spruce Pine, North Carolina for 4 days… She just called out Biden and Harris live on NBC: pic.twitter.com/FFT11nuOPM

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) October 1, 2024

MIG Reports data shows:

• 60% of voters express frustration over the federal government’s disaster response, particularly FEMA delays and perceived inefficiencies.
• 55% mention the Biden-Harris administration’s focus on immigration exacerbating FEMA’s slow response, with resources allegedly being diverted away from flood victims.

There’s a prevailing theme in voter discussions of political opportunism from political leaders, with the right accusing Biden and Harris and the left accusing Trump and DeSantis.

Democrats mostly argue the federal response is sufficient but complex, while Republicans point to the slow rollout of aid as evidence of the Biden administration's broader failures. Meanwhile, the people on the ground are left to sift through the wreckage.

Federal Response Failure

A small portion of discussions recognize FEMA working to mobilize resources and working to coordinate with state agencies. More also commend robust state responses by governors in Georgia and Florida, but these moments of efficiency are overshadowed by larger failures.

• 65% express frustration with federal and state officials, blaming the federal government for delays and local leadership for slow emergency declarations.
• 75% are angry about the apparent lack of aid and attention for hurricane victims compared to massive aid packages to Israel and Ukraine.
• And 90% of those discussing aid highlight $17.263 billion allocated to foreign military support, contrasted with Biden’s lackluster aid for American citizens at home.

Many Americans note the stark disparity in funding, emphasizing that while billions are sent abroad or spend on aid for illegal immigrants, the American people are left nearly without a thought.

Criticism toward the Biden-Harris administration dominates the discourse. People accuse the government of prioritizing political photo ops and foreign sympathy over Americans in crisis. The delayed involvement of military assets is also a source of anger. The XVIII Airborne Corps stationed just a few hundred miles away could have deployed critical resources to help with flooding relief, but instead, communities are left waiting for help.

The Political Fallout and Impact on 2024

Given the scale of Hurricane Helene's devastation, it is inevitable that the federal government's response will impact the upcoming 2024 election. With disillusionment and anger rising, the perception of a sluggish, inefficient response to the hurricane will likely fuel ire among voters.

According to MIG Reports analysis:

• 70% of voters say the government’s disaster response will influence their voting decisions in upcoming elections.
• 55% stress how hurricane aftermath and the dock worker strike will increase inflation costs and hamper recovery efforts.
• 70% say mainstream media fails to adequately cover significant events such as the port strike and hurricane aftermath.

Republicans both take the opportunity to get involved in recovery efforts and use this moment to highlight the administration's failures and rally voters. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden receive significant criticism for their lack of action and involvement—with Harris attending a fundraiser and Biden away from Washington.

REPORTER: "On the hurricane, why weren't you and VP Harris here in Washington commanding this this weekend?"

BIDEN: "I was commanding!"

(He was at his beach house and Kamala was fundraising in San Francisco) pic.twitter.com/3LmFI0KiRN

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 30, 2024