U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden disembark Air Force One while traveling to go to families affected by devastation from recent flooding, as they arrive at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S., August 8, 2022.
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters
President Joe Biden will travel to Maui on Monday where a wildfire has ravaged the island and killed greater than 100 people.
Biden and first lady Jill Biden will meet with first responders, survivors and government officials and take stock of the damage, the White House said Wednesday.
“The president continues to marshal a whole-of-government response to the deadly Maui fires, and he has committed to delivering every little thing that the people of Hawaii need from the federal government as they get well from this disaster,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in an announcement announcing the trip.
Biden had faced criticism for not visiting the island sooner, but he has been in near day by day contact with officials to find out when a visit could possibly be timed in order not disrupt rescue and recovery efforts.
“My wife Jill and I are going to travel to Hawaii as soon as we will,” Biden said at an event in Wisconsin on Tuesday. “That is what we have been talking to the governor about, but I don’t desire to get in the best way. I have been to too many disaster areas, but I would like to go and ensure that we have got every little thing they need. I would like to ensure we do not disrupt the continuing recovery efforts.”
