By: Eric Wang
Ron DeSantis was a staunch opposer of providing federal aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy; however, nine years later he is seeking relief from the devastating Hurricane Ian.
When DeSantis newly entered Congress in 2013, he was fervently against the “put it on the credit card” mentality and didn’t want federal funds to go towards Sandy storm relief. Nearly a decade later, as the governor of Florida, he is doing all he can to rebuild and relieve his state, even asking Biden for help.
DeSantis says, “...when people are fighting for their lives, when their whole livelihood is at stake; when they’ve lost everything — if you can’t put politics aside for that, then you’re just not going to be able to.”
Hurricane Ian was a Category 4 hurricane that was the deadliest to strike Florida since the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. It caused widespread destruction and killed over 150 people, with 139 being Floridians. Ian is estimated to have caused $50 billion in damages, primarily from a storm surge over 10 feet tall.
Ian’s devastation has inspired DeSantis to ease his opposition toward President Biden, who he has repeatedly called “Brandon” as a recurring troll, and turn to him for help. His request for aid started with a polite “Dear Mr. President.”
David Jolly, former Floridian congressman, says, “Ironically, there’s nobody in America that Ron DeSantis needs more than Joe Biden. [DeSantis] held those convictions strong in the House. I doubt he will hold them as strongly in the governor’s mansion.”
In response to DeSantis’ call for help, President Biden has responded with aid. Both Biden and DeSantis have made a point that their teams are in touch. DeSantis thanked the Biden administration for their help, and they have temporarily put aside political conflicts.
“This is about saving people’s lives, homes, and businesses,” Mr. Biden said.