Biden accused of 'buying votes' as he heads to Philadelphia to announce $22M grant for fire department
WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden found himself in hot water after the White House noted that he would announce federal funding to Philadelphia’s fire department during a visit on Monday, December 11.
The White House said Philadelphia would receive a $22.4 million grant that will fund 72 firefighters' salaries and benefits for three years. This would also allow the Philadelphia Fire Department to reopen three fire companies: Engine 6 in Fishtown, Ladder 1 in Fairmount, and Ladder 11 in South Philadelphia.
Notably, the funds, which were made available through last year's budget, come from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA claims that the SAFER grants were "created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, 'front line' firefighters available in their communities."
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, and US Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell are also expected to be present at the event on Monday.
Moreover, Biden has political reasons to be in Philadelphia as he's scheduled to hold a campaign fundraiser in the city later on the same day, according to ABC News.
BREAKING: President Biden will meet with Philadelphia firefighters to announce a grant funding additional firefighters’ salaries, reopen three shuttered fire companies and pay for a new class of trainees. President Biden is working tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
— Biden’s Wins (@BidensWins) December 10, 2023
This year, the POTUS has visited Philadelphia multiple times, including once in October to promote the creation of clean hydrogen hubs to fight climate change.
Internet reacts to announcement of Joe Biden’s grant for Philadelphia's fire department
After the White House’s announcement about the grant to the Philadelphia fire department surfaced on social media, many users accused Biden of buying voters due to the massive amount.
One said, "Or, in layman's terms, buying votes," while another quipped, "Must be an election year."
"After the election, he owes someone in Pennsylvania I’m sure," wrote a person, with someone else mentioning, "What does the federal government have to do with Philadelphia firefighters?"
A user claimed, "Buying votes," and one more added, "He is trying to garner votes. Plain and simple. Promise the world but give nothing."
After the election he owes someone in Pennsylvania I’m sure
— Lonnie Taylor (@LTaylor41516) December 11, 2023
What does the federal government have to do with Philadelphia firefighters?
— Michael B (@MdTerp79) December 11, 2023
He is trying to garner votes. Plain and simple. Promise the world but give nothing.
— djcleary@comcast.net (@djclearycomcas1) December 11, 2023
President Joe Biden launches Hollywood fundraising tour
On Friday, December 8, Biden began a 2024 Hollywood fundraising blitz with a visit to Los Angeles.
After a summer of strikes and industry strife where they avoided the Hollywood limelight, Biden and the First Lady planned six fundraising events and meetings between the two of them in Southern California this week.
The POTUS declared, "This is an incredibly successful night," at the opening of his first weekend-long star-studded fundraiser, joking that he didn't want to speak too much because he was "the only thing between you and Lenny Kravitz."
Notably, the Friday event, which featured a performance by Kravitz, was hosted by celebrity designer Michael Smith and his partner, James Costos, and has already pulled in over $8 million, according to a person familiar with the matter, as reported by The Hills.
