Katherine Sidnell
President Biden is facing a major backlash.
It’s after the octogenarian made a ‘poor taste’ joke about a cadaver dog, which had been searching the worst-hit areas after the Maui wildfire.
He’s also faced intense criticism, due to his slow response to the tragedy.
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Having finally reached the Hawaiian island, the US president took in the devastation as the building lay in ruins around him.
Biden also met with rescue teams, who’ve been working around the clock to look for those lost in the devasting fire.
Upon meeting cadaver dog Dexter though, he quipped: “You guys catch the boots out here? That’s a hot ground, man.”
At the time, the animal had been wearing boots to protect his feet from the scorched ground in Lahaina – with the search dog only able to work for 15 minutes before being overheated.
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Though first responders and those present laughed, President Biden now faces a huge backlash as people responded on social media.
It’s unsurprising given that the tragedy is so raw, with the Maui wildfires claiming 114 lives so far.
However, that number is expected to rise as 850 people are still unaccounted for after the disaster.
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On social media, many people lashed out at the politician with one Twitter user calling the joke ‘poor taste’.
Meanwhile, another wrote: “Bro is sightseeing and trying to be comic relief for the tour. No sense of what has happened there at all.”
Unsurprisingly, the Republican National Committee would later accuse the political of being 'distracted' by the animal.
However, Lahaina residents have also heavily criticised Biden for his slow response to the disaster with several protesting as he touched down in Maui on Aug 22.
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Signs has slogans such as 'Go Home, Joe!' and 'No comment', referring to the fact that the politician had previously refused to comment in the days following the tragedy.
Others have defended the President's tour of island, including members of his team.
“He’s petting one of the dogs that’s working hard searching for remains so survivors who’ve lost loved ones can have closure,” tweeted White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, in response to the ongoing backlash.
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He added: “This criticism is classless and stupid"
Whilst the debate rumbles on, teams after still searching Maui for those killed in worst US wildfire in over 100 years.
It's feared that many victims will be killed, who'd stayed home due to severe weather before Aug 8 disaster.
You can also donate to the American Red Cross, which helps provide food, medical supplies, shelter and water to those impacted. Find out about other ways to help here.