DeSantis Declines Meeting with Biden During Hurricane Damage Tour, Drawing Criticism and Praise

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, causing widespread damage.
Governor Ron DeSantis expressed concerns about disrupting ongoing recovery efforts during President Biden's visit.
The White House claimed the tour was coordinated to minimize disruption, but DeSantis still declined to meet.
Some criticized DeSantis for allowing politics to dictate his decision, while others praised his focus on recovery.
Despite not meeting in-person, Biden and DeSantis maintained communication and pledged federal support.