Biden To Give Africa $1 Billion
President Biden announced a $1 billion humanitarian aid package aimed at alleviating the suffering of Africans displaced by unprecedented droughts and food insecurity.
The announcement, made during his visit to Angola, underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with the African continent, transitioning from aid-centric relationships to partnerships centered on trade and investment. However, the timing of this pledge has ignited controversy back home, particularly in light of ongoing recovery efforts in North Carolina following the catastrophic Hurricane Helene.
BREAKING: Biden announces $1 billion in aid to help African nations rebuild homes damaged by natural disasters.
What about the Americans affected by recent hurricanes?
pic.twitter.com/iaaSTgOMkm— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 3, 2024
The president’s remarks highlighted America’s role as a global leader in humanitarian efforts, emphasizing that such actions are consistent with the nation’s values as one of the world’s wealthiest countries.
"We’re moving from patrons to partners," Biden stated, framing the aid as part of a broader strategy to address Africa’s infrastructure gaps through trade and investment. Yet, critics argue that the domestic challenges still facing regions like North Carolina warrant equal, if not greater, attention.
Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast U.S. in late September, devastating communities and leaving over 100 dead in North Carolina. The storm caused billions in damages, with many areas still grappling with the recovery process.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell recently noted that her agency would need an additional $40 billion to meet ongoing disaster recovery needs nationwide. Meanwhile, the White House has requested $98 billion in supplemental disaster relief funding to support these efforts, awaiting swift congressional approval.
Criticism erupted online as news of Biden’s African aid package spread, with some accusing the administration of prioritizing foreign assistance over urgent domestic crises.
Social media users voiced frustration, questioning why similar urgency wasn’t being applied to supporting storm-ravaged communities in the U.S.