Vice President Kamala Harris is facing fierce criticism after announcing that the United States will send $157 million in additional aid to Lebanon, even as Americans in the Southeast continue to suffer from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The decision has been slammed as tone-deaf, especially since Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently admitted that FEMA doesn’t have enough money to cover the rest of the hurricane season.
Harris made the announcement on X, explaining that the funds would be used to help civilians in Lebanon who are in dire need of food, water, and shelter. This latest round of aid brings total U.S. assistance to Lebanon to over $385 million within the past year. The timing of the announcement, however, has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from lawmakers who believe the focus should be on Americans still grappling with the effects of the hurricane.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) responded directly to Harris’ post, saying, “If we renamed Florida and North Carolina to Lebanon and Ukraine, maybe Kamala Harris would send disaster relief faster. She’s made it clear that being Americans puts us last in line.” Scott’s remarks have resonated with many who feel that the Biden-Harris administration is placing the needs of foreign nations ahead of those of American citizens.
With Americans in desperate need of aid, the administration’s focus on foreign assistance is being questioned by those who argue that U.S. resources should be used to help American citizens first.
