Biden’s ‘outrageous’ statement during LA wildfires briefing shocks social media: ‘Absolutely disgusting’
President Biden made what many considered a “disgusting” joke during his address constant fires in Los Angeles Thursday.
Biden convened senior administration officials to discuss the federal response to the Palisades Pacific wildfires, which have continued to rage across the county, forcing the displacement of thousands of Californians and destroying thousands of homes and buildings.
After briefing the public on the federal government’s plan to help local officials during the disaster, Biden gave the floor to Vice President Kamala Harris, who is visiting from California, and made a quick joke.
“Madam Vice President, I know you’re a direct hit. So fire away, no pun intended,” Biden said.
President Biden made a quick joke during a briefing about the wildfires in Los Angeles. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
FIRES IN CALIFORNIA ravaged LOS ANGELES COUNTY, KILLED 5 PEOPLE AND THREATENED THOUSANDS OF HOMES
X users were quickly shocked by the comment and began attacking the president.
“WHAT’S UP WITH THIS TIRES,” exclaimed Redstate writer Bonchie.
“Is empathy in the room with you now?” Townhall.com video editor Kevin McMahon wrote.
Townhall.com columnist Derek Hunter wrote: “Most of the time, @JoeBiden is just an evil, vindictive person (he’s been his entire career), but in this case I think his senility can be blamed.”
The Spectator’s editor, Stephen Miller, noted: “Even Kamala at this point is like, ‘Are you serious?’
“Totally tone deaf,” TikTok’s Libs wrote.
“What a jerk,” said conservative commentator Steve Guest.
Conservative writer Ben Kew observed: “Probably not the time to be cracking jokes.”
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During the briefing, Biden announced that the federal government would cover 100% of the cost of the disaster response for the next 180 days.
“That will pay for things like debris and hazardous material removal, temporary shelters, first responder salaries and all safety measures to protect life and property,” he said. “I want to emphasize, I told the governor and local officials: don’t skimp. And we’re doing literally everything we can at the federal level.”
President Joe Biden, front, is seen with California Governor Gavin Newsom after a briefing on the devastating wildfires in Southern California on January 8, 2025. (CBS Pool)
Biden has already faced backlash a day earlier during a meeting with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and fire officials.
After signing the disaster declaration and reiterating his support for the state, Biden took time to announce the birth of his first great-grandchild.
“The good news is, as of today, I’m a great-grandfather,” Biden said.
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Biden was also criticized for a joke in a similar situation in 2023 after dealing with the devastating wildfires that claimed more than 100 lives in Maui.
Before his on-site speech, Biden met and shook hands with a group of officials, stopping in front of a search and rescue dog. While petting the dog, he joked about the boots the dog was wearing.
“You guys grabbing boots here?” Biden appeared to ask reporters watching him. He smiled and said, “That’s hot ground, man.”
