Tim Kennedy, a decorated U.S. Army Green Berets Master Sergeant, has sharply criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the Hurricane Helene relief efforts, alleging that Biden’s visit disrupted critical rescue missions. Known for his humanitarian work and combat experience, Kennedy has been on the front lines helping those affected by the hurricane.
Kennedy claimed that the president’s arrival led to a “No Fly” restriction, which grounded helicopters that were meant to assist in rescue operations. He stated on Fox News, “We had to land helicopters to not go rescue people so a photo op could take place,” adding that this was “a travesty and that’s unconscionable.”
Working with his organization, Save Our Allies, Kennedy and his team rushed to the Southeast to provide assistance. Despite their efforts, he criticized the federal response, saying, “My heart is full to see Americans rise to the occasion like they always do, but it’s not our responsibility to have to go and answer the call like this.”
Kennedy expressed frustration over the lack of a cohesive federal plan and leadership during the crisis. He noted, “Where is the federal response and the plan and the… command center that should be running all of this?”
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have made separate visits to the Southeast, with Biden focusing on storm damage in various states. As of now, the death toll from Hurricane Helene stands at 227 across six states, according to reports from CNN.
Kennedy’s criticism is shared by others, including Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who voiced disappointment in the federal government’s response to the disaster, attributing it to “egregious errors and mistakes.”
