A high-ranking government official's actions have raised eyebrows in the wake of devastating hurricanes.
According to the New York Post, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas spent less than six hours in North Carolina on Thursday to assess hurricane damage before returning to Washington, D.C., for a sushi dinner at Nobu.
The brief visit to areas affected by Hurricane Helene has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle, with lawmakers questioning Mayorkas' commitment to disaster relief efforts.
Mayorkas arrived in North Carolina around 10 a.m. on Thursday. During his short stay, he remotely joined a White House press briefing and spoke with FEMA responders and affected communities in Raleigh.
By 4 p.m., the DHS chief was back in Washington. Just over an hour later, at 5:15 p.m., he was spotted carrying takeout bags from the upscale Japanese restaurant Nobu.
The quick turnaround and choice of dining establishment have led to accusations of insensitivity and elitism, particularly given the ongoing recovery efforts in hurricane-stricken areas.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) condemned Mayorkas' actions, stating:
This Administration has completely failed the American people, again. It is offensive that the secretary is wasting time eating over-priced sushi rolls at fancy restaurants, when he should be working to get disaster relief out the door immediately for the people in desperate need of basic necessities.
Even Democrats expressed disappointment, with one congressional source calling it "the definition of insensitive and the epitome of elitism."
The controversy surrounding Mayorkas' brief visit comes amid growing concerns about the federal government's response to recent hurricanes. Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on September 26, has claimed at least 232 lives across several states. Hurricane Milton, striking Florida on October 9, has resulted in 16 deaths and caused over $100 billion in damage.
While Congress authorized more than $20 billion for disaster relief funding, only $210 million has reportedly been distributed to affected regions. This slow disbursement of funds has led to criticism from lawmakers like Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC), who accused Mayorkas of trying to "politicize a tragedy for personal gain."
Following the publication of the New York Post story, a DHS spokesperson defended Mayorkas, stating that he was picking up takeout for his wedding anniversary. The spokesperson also noted that Mayorkas had received multiple briefings with FEMA team members during his two visits to North Carolina. However, the explanation has done little to quell the controversy.
Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC) expressed his frustration, saying:
Luxury shopping and now dinner at Nobu? Mayorkas seems to care far more about keeping up with the Kardashians than any sort of disaster response. The only thing we're seeing him work hard at is allowing millions of illegal aliens, including potential terrorists, into the country.
In conclusion, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' brief visit to hurricane-affected North Carolina, followed by a sushi dinner in Washington, D.C., has sparked outrage among lawmakers and citizens. The incident has reignited debates about the federal government's disaster response efforts and the perceived disconnect between officials and affected communities. As recovery efforts continue, the controversy surrounding Mayorkas' actions is likely to fuel ongoing discussions about leadership during times of crisis.
