As viewers were quick to point out, hurricane season in the United States is expected to run from early June to late November – and we’re currently at its peak. Even as states around the Gulf are reeling from Helene’s impacts, the National Hurricane Center continues to track five other storm systems near the East Coast.

Trump has regularly mocked the climate crisis, which has led to more extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene, and claimed that sea level rise will only lead to more beachfront properties. When asked on Monday whether Helene would make him change his stance on the issue, he said “no.” The former president also took time during the visit to distribute supplies collected by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian charity led by the Rev. Franklin Graham.

Earlier Monday, Biden held a press conference at the White House providing an update on the federal response to the crisis. Over the weekend, Biden approved major disaster declarations in Florida and North Carolina, as well as emergency declarations in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Alabama. According to the White House, “more than 3,300 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts in affected states,” including a comprehensive federal response by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Despite actual efforts on the ground to help people stranded in flooded areas — and cut off from basic services like food, water and electricity — Trump is using the tragedy to intimidate Democrats ahead of the November election.

Earlier on Monday, Trump posted about the devastation on Truth Social, baselessly accusing Democrats of withholding aid from “Republican areas.” He also accused Vice President Kamala Harris of staging a photo of her on a phone call with FEMA Director Deanne Criswell. “Another FAKE and STAGED photo of someone who has no idea what she is doing. “For it to work, you have to connect the cable to the phone,” Trump wrote. It’s unclear which cable the former president was referring to, as Harris is pictured holding a cellphone in front of her.

“They left Americans drowning in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and elsewhere in the South. Under this administration, Americans always come last because we have “leaders” who have no idea how to lead!” Trump added.

As Valdosta and other cities in Helene’s path reckon with the destruction inflicted on them, some residents and politicians believe now is not the time for resource-intensive visits by high-profile political figures. One Valdosta resident told CBS News that they are ambivalent about “visits from dignitaries right now.”

Biden and Harris have indicated they intend to travel to the region, but only after first responders assure them that their presence will not disrupt relief work.