Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction, killing at least 40 people across four states in the southeastern U.S. Families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and millions are without power. At such a critical time, people expect words of comfort and support from leaders. Instead, former President Donald Trump’s response was, “You’ll be okay.” This short, careless statement has left many shocked and angry.
Brian Krassenstein, a political commentator, shared Trump’s remark on Twitter, writing, “Hurricane Helene has killed at least 44 Americans. Trump to Hurricane Helene victims: ‘You’ll be okay.’”
Hurricane Helene has killed at least 44 Americans.
Trump to Hurricane Helene victims: “You’ll be okay”
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) September 28, 2024
His tweet quickly went viral, with many people expressing frustration and disbelief at Trump’s lack of empathy. One Twitter user, Daniel J Levine, responded, “He says he doesn’t drink, but he’s acting like he’s drunk in this clip and other ones I’ve seen from tonight.” Another user, Cat, reminded everyone of Trump’s past idea to “nuke” hurricanes, saying, “When he was in office, he wanted to nuke hurricanes, remember? How can anyone think it’s a good idea to have the idiot back in the WH?”
He says he doesn’t drink, but he’s acting like he’s drunk in this clip and other ones I’ve seen from tonight.
— Daniel J Levine (@Danieljlevine) September 28, 2024
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When he was in office, he wanted to nuke hurricanes, remember?
How can anyone think it’s a god idea to have the idiot back in the WH?— Cat (@CommandersNMgal) September 28, 2024
These responses highlight a shared feeling that Trump’s words are not just careless but dangerous. When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, leaving the island in ruins, Trump’s actions were similarly thoughtless. Many people found this deeply insulting, as Puerto Ricans were dealing with destroyed homes and lost loved ones. Instead of providing strong leadership and real solutions, Trump was seen tossing paper towels into a crowd of survivors as if he were at a game. Many people found this deeply insulting, as Puerto Ricans were dealing with destroyed homes and lost loved ones.
This pattern shows that Trump often fails to take disasters seriously. Whether it’s Helene or Maria, his responses lack the empathy and understanding that people need in such difficult times. As Larry Moore said in response to Krassenstein’s tweet, “He’s just rambling. Has no data and has no idea what he’s talking about. People have lost loved ones and are displaced. They deserve more.”
He’s just rambling. Has no data and has no idea what he’s talking about.
People have lost loved ones and are displaced. They deserve more.— Larry Moore (@LarryMooreOH) September 28, 2024
Current leaders, like Vice President Kamala Harris, are offering real guidance and support. Harris recently urged those affected by Hurricane Helene to listen to local officials and take safety measures seriously. This is the kind of leadership that is needed in times of crisis—leaders who care about the people and want to help them recover.
Trump’s response to Helene once again shows his disconnect from the suffering of ordinary people. His words may be short, but they carry a strong message: he doesn’t understand or care about the real pain and loss that disasters bring. As Ron (Fan) commented on Twitter, “Does this sound like someone who cares about you? No.”
Does this sound like someone who cares about you? No.
— Ron (Fan)🇺🇸 (@Ronxyz00) September 28, 2024
Words hold significant power, especially in times of crisis. When disasters like Hurricane Helene strike, people need more than “You’ll be okay.” They need leaders who take action and show compassion. Trump’s repeated failure to provide either is a disturbing reminder of the kind of leadership America must move beyond.
Featured image via Screengrab
