President Biden’s plan to meet with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during his visit to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia has hit a snag. Despite Biden’s announcement, DeSantis’s office clarified that the governor had no such plans. This unusual miscommunication between the two politicians, who are potential rivals in the 2024 presidential election, has raised eyebrows.
Biden initially declared his intention to visit Florida during a visit to FEMA headquarters in Washington on Thursday. The announcement triggered a frenzy of preparations at the White House, with aides and the Secret Service organizing a visit to the flood-ravaged communities in Florida. While Biden did not provide specific details about the trip, he confirmed in a press conference on Friday that he planned to meet with DeSantis.
However, DeSantis’s office contradicted this statement. Jeremy Redfern, the governor’s press secretary, explained that they had no plans for the governor to meet with the president. Redfern emphasized the ongoing recovery efforts in rural communities affected by the hurricane, stating that setting up a meeting with the president would disrupt these efforts.
In response to DeSantis’s office’s statement, a White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Biden had informed the governor about the visit before his trip to FEMA. The official stated that the visit was closely coordinated with FEMA, state, and local officials to ensure it did not interfere with ongoing response operations.
The situation highlights the complex dynamics that emerge when storms bind together politicians from opposing parties. Despite being a potential contender against Biden in the 2024 election, DeSantis had productive phone conversations with the president throughout the hurricane crisis. This contrasted sharply with DeSantis’s usual criticism of Biden on the campaign trail.
Previously, Biden had traveled to Florida after the devastating Hurricane Ian last year, when DeSantis was considering a presidential bid. Both Biden and DeSantis have emphasized putting politics aside to focus on supporting those affected by the storm.
DeSantis raised concerns about the security arrangements that would accompany Biden’s visit, particularly in the hardest-hit communities. He noted that the extensive security apparatus could be disruptive. However, he expressed confidence that the authorities would be sensitive to this issue.
As of now, officials have confirmed only one storm-related death, although another death is believed to be linked to Hurricane Idalia. Power has been restored to many homes, and efforts are underway to reopen roads and bridges.
In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, DeSantis expressed cautious optimism about Florida’s recovery. While acknowledging the fallen oak tree at the governor’s mansion as a visible symbol of the storm’s impact, he praised the successful evacuation efforts and expressed hope that the state would ultimately overcome the challenges posed by Hurricane Idalia.