White House reporters ask zero questions about Hurricane Helene in surprise opportunity to press Biden

President Biden made a surprise appearance at the White House press conference on Friday, giving reporters a unique opportunity to ask him questions, but not about the historic disaster in the Southeast caused by Hurricane Helen.

It was Biden's first appearance at a White House press conference since taking office. The president spoke briefly about the suspended longshoremen's strike and Friday's jobs report, and announced that he may ask Congress for additional funds to fund Hurricane Helen relief efforts. However, there were no follow-up reports from the media regarding hurricane relief.

After thanking the president for his attendance, the first reporter asked about Republicans casting doubt on the president's economic statistics, saying, “Senator Marco Rubio of Florida says today's jobs report contains false numbers.'' “What do you think about that? And how worried are you?” Are you saying that many Americans are hearing that the employment statistics are not true?”

President Trump targets Biden, Harris over federal response to hurricanes: 'Poor management'

The Middle East crisis was a top topic, with Biden on attacks on Iranian oil facilities, Israeli plans for retaliation, possible U.S. sanctions and concerns that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was trying to influence the U.S. election. There was a question in response to the comment.

Election security and the peaceful transfer of power were also top priorities for reporters.

“There's only a month left until the election. First, I want to know how you feel about how this election is going. Second, are you confident that it will be a free and fair election, and that it will definitely be that way?” What? “Are you preparing for any domestic security briefings or anything?'' one reporter asked.

Hurricane Helen, which killed more than 230 people, was only mentioned during a question about Vice President Kamala Harris' role in the administration.

“It's clear that this country is facing a number of crises over the past few days, including hurricanes, port attacks, and the situation in the Middle East. Can you speak to the situation of the Vice President, who is running for the next president?” President. The official has been working on these crises, but what role has she played in the past few days?'' a reporter asked.

Biden goes on the defensive after being asked who was the “conductor'' for Hurricane Helen

The remains of a house are seen in Lake Lure, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helen passes on October 2, 2024. (Alison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images)

The Biden-Harris administration has already come under fire from former President Donald Trump over the federal government's response to the devastation caused by Helen, one of the deadliest hurricanes of this century.

of white house Mr. Biden has strongly pushed back against these criticisms, emphasizing that he is coordinating the federal government's response, including authorizing a state of emergency and sending 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist in search and rescue operations. More than 4,800 employees from FEMA and other agencies are being deployed to North Carolina and neighboring states affected by Helen. Additionally, the White House said FEMA shipped more than 8.5 million meals, more than 7 million liters of water, 150 generators and more than 220,000 tarps to support response efforts.

As of Friday, the federal government had provided more than $45 million in individual assistance to survivors. affected by the stormWhite House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said this includes one-time payments of $750 from FEMA to eligible applicants in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. He said that it would be possible.

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FOX News' Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.