Internet rips Biden administration for airdropping food to Gaza but not thinking about US citizens in Maui
WASHINGTON, DC: The Biden administration faced a storm of criticism this week after announcing an airdrop of over 38,000 meals to aid Gaza while still failing to provide targeted federal assistance to thousands of victims continuing to suffer months after devastating wildfires erupted in Maui.
The perceived hypocrisy and misplaced priorities have stirred tremendous anger online, with many questioning why Gazans are receiving American humanitarian aid before displaced citizens in dire need within the US borders.
JUST IN: The United States has dropped its first airdrop of humanitarian aid into Gaza as millions are facing starvation.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 3, 2024
According to NBC News, three military C-130 planes dropped a total of 66 pallets with 38,000 meals.
Aid organizations however, say the airdrop is… pic.twitter.com/4YZ9i5KhbT
Biden administration airdrops food for Gazans while ignoring the citizens in Maui
On Saturday morning, March 2, three US Air Force C-130s dropped over 38,000 ready-to-eat meals in Gaza, in collaboration with the Royal Jordanian Air Force. US Central Command called it a "combined humanitarian assistance drop" that is part of "ongoing US government efforts to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza."
The airdropped packages did not contain water or medical supplies, only non-perishable food items. The airdrop comes as officials report a framework for a new ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, as per the New York Post.
More aid drops are expected to follow. However, thousands of victims from the tragic Maui wildfires that killed 100 people and destroyed some 2,000 homes and businesses last August are still displaced and struggling, according to ABC News.
Many are moving from hotel to hotel and shelter to shelter without permanent housing. Unemployment claims have skyrocketed nearly 400% on the island. Yet six months later, the Biden administration has not provided any targeted federal aid or assistance to these American citizens in dire need on US soil.
The choice to focus resources on aiding the conflict-plagued Gaza region struck a nerve as many Lahaina fire victims continue struggling.
Internet criticizes Biden administration
Upon learning about the airdropping of food for Gazans, the internet swiftly criticized the Biden administration for seemingly neglecting the plight of Maui. One user on X voiced frustration, stating, "Anything but aid to the American people. Aren’t people tired of this?"
Anything but aid to the American people…
— Meme’nOnLibs (@MemeNonLibs) March 3, 2024
Aren’t people tired of this?
Another user questioned the priorities, wondering, "I wonder what the cost of this is? They’ll fly planes halfway around the world but won’t do anything substantial for America's own citizenry."
I wonder what the cost of this is?
— Joshua Walker (@RedsRepair95) March 3, 2024
They’ll fly planes half way around the world but won’t do anything substantial for Americas own citizenry.
A user expressed dismay at the lack of support for families affected by the Maui fires, simply stating, "... and nothing for families after Maui fires." Another person raised the issue of humanitarian aid, asking, "When do they provide humanitarian aid to the people of Lahaina?"
... and nothing for families after Maui fires.
— Safe-and-Effective Scott (@spleenware) March 4, 2024
When do they provide humanitarian aid to the people of Lahaina?
— Moral Authority Complex (@EhOHSeeLogic) March 3, 2024
The sentiments continued with a user prioritizing national concerns, declaring, "I don’t care about Gaza. I care about the United States of America." In a more light-hearted tone, one user sought solidarity, quipping, "Can I have a Lahaina from everyone please?"
I don’t care about Gaza. I care about the United States of America.
— Brandon Johnson (@BrandonKAAD4Js) March 4, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.