A spokeswoman for Governor Ron DeSantis accused Kamala Harris of creating “undue panic” while a FEMA administrator denied the Vice President’s remarks indicating Hurricane Ian aid would be prioritized for “communities of color.”
Harris created quite a stir with comments she made Friday indicating hurricane relief would be equity based and involve decisions prioritizing aid based on race.
“It is our lowest-income communities and our communities of color that are most impacted by these extreme conditions,” she claimed while speaking at the Democratic National Committee’s Women’s Leadership Forum.
“We have to address this in a way that is about giving resources based on equity, understanding that we fight for equality, but we also need to fight for equity,” added Harris.
Kamala Harris Suggests Hurricane Aid Will Be Based on Skin ColorKamala Harris vows to give hurricane funds based on skin color, violating civil rights law.
— Wendell Husebø (@WendellHusebo) October 1, 2022
‘It is our lowest income communities & our communities of color that are most impacted by these extreme conditions & impacted by issues not of their own making.’pic.twitter.com/ybdeMti44r
Christina Pushaw, the rapid response director for Governor DeSantis, fired back at Kamala Harris for publicly stating aid for Hurricane Ian recovery efforts would be race-based.
“This is false,” she responded. “[Vice President Kamala Harris’] rhetoric is causing undue panic and must be clarified.”
She added, “FEMA Individual Assistance is already available to all Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian, regardless of race or background.”

In a subsequent tweet, Pushaw challenged Harris to “correct what she said.”
Fox News reports that, given a chance to clarify her remarks on hurricane aid, Kamala Harris refused to comment.
“Vice President, can you clarify what you meant about equity for hurricane relief,” she was asked by a reporter as she walked by without responding.
Should be according to greatest need, not race or anything else
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 1, 2022