DHS Chief Faces Criticism After Quick Visit to Hurricane-Ravaged NC

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas found himself under scrutiny after spending less than six hours in hurricane-ravaged North Carolina before returning to Washington, D.C., where he was seen dining at high-end restaurant Nobu.

Critics argued that Mayorkas' exceedingly brief visit was tone-deaf, as it came amid ongoing relief efforts and a backdrop of significant community needs following devastating hurricanes, as the New York Post reports.

Mayorkas arrived in the affected region on Thursday morning around 10 a.m., assessing the hurricane damage and engaging with local first responders remotely. He joined a White House press briefing virtually at approximately 1 p.m., showing some connection to the crisis from afar.

Mayorkas Details Remote Assistance in Raleigh

While in North Carolina, Mayorkas communicated with FEMA operatives and first responders on the ground in Raleigh. However, his decision not to physically tour the affected areas to avoid diverting resources drew criticism from many observers and lawmakers.

The severity of the hurricanes cannot be understated, with Hurricane Helene claiming at least 232 lives and Hurricane Milton resulting in 16 fatalities as they struck on Oct. 9. The financial toll from these storms surpassed $100 billion in damages.

Back in Washington, shortly after his return, Mayorkas was seen picking up takeout from Nobu at 5:15 p.m. This prompted backlash given the expectations for comprehensive engagement in disaster zones during such critical periods.

Lawmakers Voice Disapproval and Frustration

Mayorkas' dining choice stirred discontent, with Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC) questioning his priorities in a critical moment. A DHS representative explained that his Nobu visit was for a personal occasion, his wedding anniversary, but this explanation did little to quell public outrage.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) labeled Mayorkas as lacking a hands-on approach, criticizing his perceived detachment from active disaster management. The Secretary's brief presence in North Carolina coincided with ongoing debates over his effectiveness in handling broader responsibilities, including immigration oversight.

February saw Mayorkas face impeachment proceedings by House Republicans, where security issues at the southern border were central to the accusations. The current hurricane relief criticism has added fuel to ongoing scrutiny.

Relief Funding Concerns Add to Criticism

Concerns over disaster relief allocations also played into the criticism. FEMA reported only having distributed $210 million of the $20 billion authorized by Congress for disaster relief, a distribution rate that has raised eyebrows among lawmakers.

In particular, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) emphasized the secretary's dereliction of duty in managing relief efforts, viewing it as part of a larger pattern of insufficient response.

While Mayorkas had visited North Carolina previously with President Joe Biden and Gov. Roy Cooper for an aerial tour on Oct. 2, lawmakers like House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) saw the latest visit as underwhelming against expectations. They continued pressing for greater responsiveness from FEMA and Mayorkas amid ongoing disaster challenges.

Calls for Accountability Amid Disaster Response

Johnson expressed dissatisfaction, stating that FEMA had been supplied with the necessary resources to tackle the crisis more effectively. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) further criticized Mayorkas, accusing him of politicizing a tragedy for personal gain.

An unnamed Democratic congressional source described Mayorkas' actions as insensitive and elitist, reiterating expectations of an all-hands-on-deck approach during hurricanes like Milton.

As the country navigates the aftermath of these catastrophic storms, Mayorkas' brief visit and subsequent actions continue to invite scrutiny, reflecting ongoing debates over leadership and responsibility in handling national crises.