An exasperated North Carolina sheriff criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s offer of $750 in “immediate” relief funds to Hurricane Helene survivors, stating it was insufficient compared to the assistance provided to Ukraine and because recipients require internet access. Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright expressed his frustration during an interview with FOX News contributor Sara Carter, who uploaded the video on X. Carter conducted the interview in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, a region still lacking proper communication infrastructure.
Carter noted that many people she spoke to were denied the $750 funds. Sheriff Wright responded by pointing out the impracticality of asking storm-affected residents to use their phones or computers for assistance when these devices are often destroyed during such disasters. He urged the Biden-Harris administration to stay away, allowing local communities and volunteers to manage disaster relief efforts in the area.
More than 255,000 customers across the southeastern United States were still without power as of Breitbart News’ Monday report. The Biden-Harris administration last week announced that those affected by Hurricane Helene could apply for $750 in immediate relief funds, sparking criticism for its seemingly small amount compared to the $8 billion pledged for Ukraine just days prior.
The administration has since argued that Americans can also seek assistance for repairing storm-related damage to their homes and personal property, as well as finding temporary housing. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on October 4 that it had provided $45 million in disaster relief thus far: $23 million to people in Florida, $17 million to North Carolina residents, and $4.5 million to South Carolina residents.