President Joe Biden delivered a lively update on the recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, invoking light-hearted banter as he mistakenly referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as "the president."

The briefing, held at the White House on Friday, highlighted the administration's continued focus on restoring power and clearing debris in the wake of the storms but appeared to express frustration when prompted to let the vice president speak, as Fox News reports.

During the address, Biden emphasized the federal response while addressing criticisms about inadequate measures and rumors of ongoing tensions with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Biden's briefing began with a sincere acknowledgment of the devastation left by the hurricanes as he expressed sympathy for those who suffered due to the severe weather conditions.

The hurricanes have brought significant damage and loss of life across several states. Hurricane Milton recognized as causing $50 billion in damage, left a severe impact on Florida, with tornadoes wreaking havoc in St. Lucie County, contributing to at least eight reported deaths. Meanwhile, North Carolina reported at least 92 fatalities due to Hurricane Helene.

Federal Efforts Highlighted Amidst Challenges

Biden reassured the affected communities of federal agencies' involvement, including FEMA and the Coast Guard, in the rescue and recovery operations. He mentioned that power restoration has seen progress, citing that over a million Floridians have had their electricity restored, although over three million remain without power.

The president addressed criticisms regarding federal aid, affirming, "We're going to do everything we can to help you pick back up the pieces and get back to where you were." In doing so, he underscored ongoing dialogues with officials from affected states, including North Carolina and Florida, to ensure a coordinated response.

In a playful moment during the briefing, Biden jokingly referred to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm as his "boss," and later, when Granholm prompted him to let Harris speak, he inadvertently called Harris "the president." This slip was met with amusement during the serious update.

Funding and Legislative Efforts Discussed

Biden detailed the need for additional funding from Congress, stressing the importance of financial support for the extensive recovery efforts. "We’re going to need a lot of help. We need a lot more money," Biden expressed, emphasizing to legislators the ongoing need for resources.

Vice President Harris addressed concerns following Biden’s remarks by articulating her active role in the recovery efforts. She highlighted the coordinated work with local and state authorities to supply essential resources such as food and medical supplies.

Harris assured, "We will continue to work with the teams on the ground to restore water and power as quickly as possible." She reiterated the government's commitment to the long-term recovery process, supporting communities with necessary resources for response and recovery.

Tensions with DeSantis

Tensions between Harris and Florida’s governor have been prominent amid the disaster response, with DeSantis asserting Harris has "no role" in the communication process. Despite this, Harris and DeSantis have been described as collaborating with President Biden and FEMA in ongoing operations.

The vice president has publicly addressed these efforts, noting they aim to counteract price-gouging in the aftermath of the storms. "The bottom line is we are in this for the long haul," Harris stated, underscoring the administration's ongoing commitment.

DeSantis acknowledged the productivity of his collaboration with President Biden and FEMA, emphasizing an unyielding effort for over two weeks. The focus, as conveyed by DeSantis, remains on coordinating with federal authorities to ensure effective relief initiatives.

Continued Support for Affected Areas

In her statements, Harris confirmed the administration's unwavering support for the Southeastern communities affected, including those in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. She affirmed the continuation of efforts to bring relief and assistance to those struggling post-disaster.

Biden and Harris’s comments at the briefing underscored the efforts underway to address criticisms and enhance recovery operations. Their appearance together symbolized a united front in tackling the significant aftermath of the severe weather events.

The hurricane briefing reflected the complex dynamics of federal and state coordination during large-scale recovery efforts.

Biden’s remarks demonstrated the administration's acknowledgment of ongoing challenges while necessitating further resources to support relief activities comprehensively.