As death toll hits 99, Trump slams Biden response to Maui wildfires

The death toll from the devastating wildfire that wrecked havoc on Maui has climbed to 99, and may continue to rise as emergency personnel sift through the wreckage. Amid the chaos, former President Donald Trump has excoriated President Joe Biden and Hawaii leadership for their handling of the crisis.

"I would like to express my  sympathy and warmest regards to the people of Hawaii and specifically all of those who have been so gravely and irreparably hurt by the tragedy of the wildfires in Maui, something the likes of which have seldom been seen anywhere at any time," Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social. "The deaths caused by the catastrophic event will be far worse than ever expected now that houses and cars and other areas are being inspected. The sad thing is it should never have happened."

"Our government was not prepared and very importantly, the aftermath is going very poorly with the governor of the island wanting to do nothing but blame it on global warming and other things that just happened to pop into his head," he continued. "When asked about it today as he was getting into a car, perhaps coming home from the beach where he has been spending a great deal of time, crooked Joe Biden, the most incompetent president in the history of our country, with a laugh and a smile, said he had no comment on the death and the tragedy."

President Joe Biden attracted considerable scrutiny from conservatives after responding "no comment" to questions about the wildfire while on vacation in Delaware this weekend.

"To say 'no comment' is oftentimes fine but to be smiling when you say it, especially against such a tragedy as this is absolutely horrible and unacceptable. It is a disgraceful thing that Joe Biden refuses to help or comment on the tragedy in Maui, just as he refused to help or comment on the trail derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, for a very very long time," Trump went on.

"In any event, hopefully everyone will be able to pull together so that a horrible situation does not get even worse," he concluded. "To the families affected, I give you my love and sympathy. Nothing can ever replace your loved ones. But you will always have the memories and will feel their great love surrounding and embracing you. Together we will continue to carry their legacy forward and I love you all very much."

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