Biden refuses to answer questions about Maui trip as wildfire death toll hits 111: ‘No, not now’
Joe Biden,Hawaii Wildfires,Hawaii,FEMA,Wildfires,Disaster
President Biden refused to comment Thursday on the wildfire tragedy in Maui as the death toll on the Hawaiian island climbed to 111 — saying “no, not now” when asked about his planned trip despite facing harsh criticism earlier this week for a similar remark.
“Can you tell us about your Hawaii trip, sir?” a reporter asked Biden under the wing of Air Force One in Scranton, Pa., after the president paid his respects to Ellen Casey, the mother of Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D-Pa.) and widow of the late Keystone State Gov. Bob Casey Sr.
“No, not now,” the 80-year-old president replied. “I’m going to be leaving and I’ll be there on Monday.”
“Why is it important that you go?” a reporter followed up.
Related Coverage
AllSides Picks
Headline Roundup
Eight Navy Members Attempted Suicide While on USS Abraham Lincoln, US Navy Reports
September 24th, 2026
Headline Roundup
White House Launches 24/7 Trump TV Stream Amid Media Access Dispute
September 24th, 2026
Story of the Week
The Latest Battle Over White House Coverage
AllSides Staff
September 24th, 2026
Recommended Reading
When Politicians Stop Being Ambitious
Dan Schnur
September 21st, 2026