Trump Calls Out Harris Over ‘Staged’ Photo Amid Hurricane Helene Response
In a recent social media post, former President Donald Trump accused Vice President Kamala Harris of staging a photograph that he claims misrepresents her involvement in the response to Hurricane Helene. The photo, shared on Harris’ official account, shows her appearing deep in thought while taking a call aboard Air Force Two, but Trump and others have pointed out what they see as glaring inconsistencies.
“Another FAKE and STAGED photo from someone who has no clue what she is doing,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, highlighting that Harris’ earbuds appeared to be unplugged from her phone. He added, “You have to plug the cord into the phone for it to work!” This critique has sparked a wave of commentary across social media, with many users echoing Trump’s sentiments.
The photograph in question was posted on Sunday and features Harris writing notes while engaged in a call with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, discussing the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene. “I was just briefed by [Criswell] on the latest developments,” Harris stated in her post, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to supporting emergency response efforts.
However, critics quickly seized on the details of the image. From the angle of the photo, it appears that the cord from Harris’ earbuds dangles down without being connected to her phone. Additionally, the sheet of paper in front of her seems to be blank, leading to further skepticism about the authenticity of the moment captured.
Conservative commentator Mollie Hemingway chimed in, stating, “This is the most VEEP-like photo ever — pretending to be on a phone call but forgetting to plug in the antiquated earphones while pretending to write on a blank piece of paper instead of actually doing anything.” Others, like Rep. Andy Biggs and Republican communicator Matt Whitlock, joined the chorus, criticizing Harris for what they perceive as a lack of genuine engagement in the crisis.
While Harris has not visited the states affected by the hurricane, which has tragically claimed at least 120 lives, Trump took a different approach. On Monday, he visited Valdosta, Georgia, to survey the damage and speak with local residents and officials. During his visit, he pledged to deliver relief aid, including gasoline, to those impacted by the storm.
Trump’s comments on Truth Social extended beyond the photo, as he criticized the Biden administration’s handling of various crises, stating, “Biden and Harris abandoned Americans in Afghanistan… and now, they have left Americans to drown in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and elsewhere in the South.” He concluded with a strong rebuke of the current leadership, claiming that Americans are always last under their administration.
As the political back-and-forth continues, the Harris campaign has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the photo controversy. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the two political figures as they navigate their respective roles in the wake of a natural disaster, with each side eager to shape the narrative in their favor.
