As viewers were quick to point out, hurricane season in the United States is believed to last from early June to late November – and we’re currently at the height of it. Even as states around the Gulf grapple with Helene’s impact, the National Hurricane Center continues to monitor five additional storm systems near the East Coast.

Trump has regularly mocked the climate crisis that has caused more extreme weather events such as Hurricane Helene, claiming that rising sea levels will only create more beachfront real estate. When asked Monday whether Helene would push him to change his position on the issue, he said “no.” The former president also took time during the visit to distribute items collected by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian charity led by the Rev. Franklin Graham.

Earlier on Monday, Biden held a news conference from the White House, where he provided updates 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 have been deployed to support Hurricane Helene response efforts in affected states,” including a widespread, multi-state Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) response.

Regardless of the actual efforts on the ground to provide relief to people trapped in flooded areas – and cut off from basic services such as food, water and electricity – Trump is using the tragedy to defeat Democrats ahead of the November elections.

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

“They drowned Americans in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and elsewhere in the South. Under this administration, the 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 devastation that awaits them, some residents and politicians say now is not the time for resource-intensive visits from prominent political figures. A Valdosta resident told CBS News they were ambivalent about “visits from dignitaries at this time.”

Biden and Harris have indicated they plan to travel to the region, but only after aid workers have assured them their presence will not disrupt relief efforts.