DeSantis Declines Vice President Harris’ Call as Hurricane Milton Nears Florida

As Hurricane Milton, one of the strongest storms in recent memory, approaches Florida with the potential for widespread destruction, Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to decline a phone call from Vice President Kamala Harris has added a political dimension to an already dire situation. The Category 5 storm, with sustained winds reaching 175 mph, is expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday, with forecasters warning of catastrophic flooding and storm surges in the Tampa Bay area. Despite the impending crisis, DeSantis has drawn criticism for choosing not to take the Vice President’s call, which was intended to coordinate federal assistance for Florida ahead of the storm’s landfall, according to reporting by ABC News.

The refusal, seen by DeSantis’ team as a stand against what they perceive as political opportunism from the White House, has fueled ongoing tensions between the Republican governor and the Biden administration. While FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell remains in communication with DeSantis, and President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration for the state, the absence of direct communication between DeSantis and the federal leadership during a crisis of this magnitude has sparked controversy.

Political Maneuvering Amid Crisis

The decision by DeSantis to rebuff Harris’ outreach has been viewed by many as a calculated political move, underscoring his often adversarial stance toward the Biden administration. According to sources close to the governor, DeSantis and his advisors viewed the Vice President’s offer of assistance as a politically motivated gesture aimed at making Harris appear more involved and proactive during a crisis that directly affects Florida’s residents. By refusing the call, DeSantis may be signaling to his political base that he remains resistant to what he frames as federal overreach or opportunism.

However, the refusal comes at a time when Floridians are bracing for Hurricane Milton’s potentially catastrophic impact, with over 50 counties under evacuation orders, including heavily populated areas like Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. Local and federal emergency agencies are working around the clock to prepare for the storm, with FEMA teams coordinating with state and local authorities to ensure disaster response systems are in place.

White House Response

In response to DeSantis’ refusal to engage with Vice President Harris, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the situation, making it clear that the administration’s priority remains focused on the people of Florida, regardless of political differences. “If you have the president and the vice president reaching out to offer up assistance to your constituents, the people who live in your state, to make sure we are doing everything that we need to do from a federal response … it is up to [DeSantis] if he wants to respond to us or not,” Jean-Pierre said during a briefing.

Despite DeSantis’ decision, federal teams remain on the ground, and the Biden administration has already approved the necessary disaster declarations to ensure that federal assistance will be available. FEMA has pre-positioned resources across the state, and search-and-rescue teams, generators, and medical supplies are ready to be deployed once Milton makes landfall. The goal, according to Jean-Pierre, is to provide seamless support to Floridians who will likely face significant hardship in the coming days, regardless of any political tensions.

FEMA and Federal Efforts Continue

Even without direct communication between DeSantis and the White House, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has been in contact with the governor to ensure that Florida has all the federal resources it needs to mitigate the storm’s impact. “We’ve had direct communication with Governor DeSantis, and we’re fully prepared to respond,” Criswell said. She added that FEMA and the federal government are “working around the clock” to provide the necessary support for Florida as it faces one of the most dangerous hurricanes in recent memory.

In addition to FEMA’s efforts, President Biden’s approval of the emergency declaration for Florida paves the way for federal funds and resources to flow into the state as part of the broader disaster response effort. Federal support is crucial, particularly as Florida is still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Helene, which struck the state just weeks earlier, causing severe flooding and storm surges in several communities. As Hurricane Milton approaches, the situation is even more precarious, with many Floridians still grappling with the aftermath of Helene while preparing for yet another potentially devastating storm.

Political and Human Consequences

DeSantis’ decision to reject Harris’ call has led to widespread speculation about his political motivations. Some analysts suggest that DeSantis, who is often touted as a potential Republican presidential candidate, is using the opportunity to reinforce his image as a staunch opponent of the Biden administration. By refusing Harris’ outreach, DeSantis could be positioning himself as a leader who refuses to bend to political pressure, especially from his Democratic opponents.

However, critics argue that the governor’s decision is ill-timed and could have serious consequences for the people of Florida. With Hurricane Milton predicted to cause severe flooding, power outages, and displacement, coordination between federal and state leaders is crucial to ensuring that resources and aid are deployed effectively. DeSantis’ rejection of the Vice President’s call has raised concerns that political posturing could get in the way of life-saving disaster relief efforts.

Meanwhile, federal agencies continue to work alongside local authorities to prepare for Milton’s landfall. DeSantis’ refusal to speak with Harris has not impacted the operational aspects of disaster management, but it has underscored the ongoing friction between state and federal leadership, even in the face of a crisis. As Floridians evacuate and brace for impact, the question remains whether political dynamics could hinder the state’s ability to fully leverage federal resources at such a critical time.

A Broader Context of Political Tension

The situation between DeSantis and the Biden administration is part of a broader pattern of political friction. Throughout his tenure, DeSantis has frequently clashed with the White House on a variety of issues, from pandemic management to immigration policies. His decision to refuse Harris’ call is consistent with his broader political strategy of distancing himself from the federal government, particularly as he navigates his own political aspirations.

However, with Hurricane Milton threatening to be one of the most severe storms in recent memory, the stakes are high. The tension between state and federal leadership could have serious implications for how quickly and efficiently aid reaches those in need. As the storm approaches, many are questioning whether political maneuvering is worth the risk, especially when lives and livelihoods are on the line.

While DeSantis has been clear that he is focused on ensuring Florida is prepared for the hurricane, the refusal to speak with Harris has left many questioning whether political considerations are interfering with disaster response coordination. As the state braces for Milton’s arrival, the hope remains that despite the political drama, Floridians will receive the full support they need to weather the storm.