Biden's $700 payments to Hawaii fire victims draw outrage after 'no comment' fiasco

As the death toll from a devastating wildfire on the Hawaiian island of Maui, President Joe Biden has vowed federal support for the relief efforts and pledged to provide families with a one-time $700 payment, a plan that attracted intense scrutiny following his refusal to comment on the catastrophe while on vacation.

"As residents of Hawai'i mourn the loss of life and devastation taking place across their beautiful home, we mourn with them. Like I've said, not only our prayers are with those impacted – but every asset we have will be available to them," he tweeted Monday. "We're laser-focused on getting aid to survivors, including Critical Needs Assistance: a one-time $700 payment per household offering relief during an unimaginably difficult time."

The announcement follows a public relations disaster for Biden, when over the weekend he curtly replied "no comment" on the wildfires while he was on vacation in Rehoboth, Del. With the death toll nearing one hundred, the response drew considerable scrutiny and comparisons to President George W. Bush's handling of Hurricane Katrina.

Critics of the president pointed out that the payments amounted to incredibly meager relief relative to the damage from the blaze and contrasted it with the substantially larger sums Washington continues to send to Ukraine.

"Biden sent $200M to Ukraine today He also sent $700 per household to Hawaiian families affected by the deadly fires," DC_Draino said. "An estimated 2,600 structures were burned which means Joe sent approx. $1.8M in Critical Needs Assistance [-] Ukraine: $200M Hawaii: $1.8M [-] This is America Last[.]"

"Joe Biden vows to send a whopping $700 payment per household that was impacted by the Maui wildfires," said Trending Politics owner Collin Rugg. "Can someone please explain to me why our leaders are so reckless with money sent to Ukraine but then pinch pennies when the money is spent on Americans? Billions in property damage, many lives lost, livelihoods ruined and the best the president can do is $700."

"Maui should just change their island name to Ukraine at this point," he added.

"Don't worry - Joe Biden is going to send them all 700 bucks," posted pro-Trump account Catturd in response to reports of looting amid the wildfires.

"Joe Biden has the audacity to send a one-time $700 payment to Maui residents while simultaneously asking Congress for another $24 billion to send to Ukraine," former Texas GOP Rep. Mayra Flores lamented.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.