The Biden administration has faced criticism for its perceived slow response to recent crises in Georgia and North Carolina following Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The storm caused widespread devastation across several southeastern states, including severe flooding and infrastructure damage in both states.
In North Carolina, particularly in the Asheville area, many communities were left isolated without power, water, or cellular service. Despite the urgent needs, residents in the region expressed frustration over delays in receiving federal assistance, including the distribution of essential supplies like food and water. While airlifts were eventually organized to provide aid, some felt the government was slow to mobilize resources, exacerbating the suffering of those affected by the storm. Local officials have worked tirelessly with federal agencies to address the crisis, but logistical challenges due to damaged roads and infrastructure made the response slower than expected​(
Similarly, in Georgia, the impact of Hurricane Helene caused significant flooding and power outages. The Biden administration did approve federal disaster assistance, but the speed of deployment and the scale of aid initially faced criticism. The administration promised “everything we have” to support recovery efforts, but residents and local officials noted that it took several days before federal relief efforts gained momentum​(
While President Biden has pledged continued support and planned visits to the hardest-hit areas, the delays in immediate response remain a point of contention among those directly impacted by the storm.