Staff Reports
The Biden administration finds itself once again in a tight spot, this time as the White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, was put on the hot seat regarding the peculiarities of disaster relief funding. It seems that while the federal government has found billions to throw at Lebanon, the survivors of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina are still waiting for assistance that is tied up in bureaucratic red tape. During a particularly combative press briefing, Fox News’ Peter Doocy made the unfortunate mistake of asking tough questions, leading Jean-Pierre to ‘gracefully’ exit the room in a huff.
What has everyone scratching their heads is the administration’s eerie ability to direct substantial funds internationally while domestic crises remain mutilated by the legislative process. Doocy sought clarity, noting that while aid to foreign nations can be released on a whim, North Carolina residents must beg Congress for what should be basic assistance. In a nutshell, if money can flow to Lebanon without Congress’s blessing, why can’t it flow to Americans in need?
WATCH: KJP Can't Explain Why Biden-Harris Won't Help Helene Survivors, Storms Out Of Press Briefinghttps://t.co/f2Tn2WENyN
— JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) October 8, 2024
Jean-Pierre, seizing the opportunity to highlight the administration’s efforts, declared that the President and Vice President are committed to helping those affected by disasters. She cited more than $200 million in assistance for disaster relief efforts; a number that sounds impressive until one considers the ongoing struggles faced by the people in North Carolina. With a flair for theatrics, Jean-Pierre defended the administration’s actions while sidestepping the critical issue of why they couldn’t simply expedite aid for American citizens.
As Doocy pressed on, he pointed out the glaring discrepancy between Biden’s international generosity and the struggles of Hurricane Helene victims, reinforcing the age-old adage that a government’s budget reveals its values. With a perplexing amount of funds devoted overseas, one can’t help but wonder: Does the Biden administration really prioritize American lives, or are they more concerned with being the darlings of international aid organizations?
Jean-Pierre, unfazed by the logical argument, quickly labeled Doocy’s questions as misinformation, reminiscent of a child refusing to admit they ate the last cookie. She insisted that the administration was doing all it could, but could never connect the dots on why aid for Americans needed congressional approval while international funds didn’t. Instead, she threw several softballs declaring the importance of Congress doing its “job,” while leaving many in the room with baffled expressions that could only be addressed with a shrug and a roll of the eyes.
Ultimately, Jean-Pierre wrapped up the briefing in classic fashion—visibly frazzled and above all, frustrated. The exchange only served to further highlight the administration’s priorities and left many wondering how Biden could be so eager to help foreign nations while North Carolinians remain stranded waiting for essential relief. In the end, it seems that what’s good for Lebanon might not be so good for America—an irony that does not go unnoticed.
