Biden 'Photo Op' Disrupted Helene Relief, Grounded Aircrafts with Emergency Supplies: Rescue Mission Volunteer

Tim Kennedy had some sharp criticism for President Joe Biden on Wednesday. Kennedy, a U.S. Army Green Berets Master Sergeant and Special Forces sniper, is recognized for his appearances on various TV shows in addition to his MMA fighting career.

In times of crisis, Kennedy is known for stepping in to use his unique skills to assist those in need. For instance, during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, he traveled to the region to aid those impacted by the chaotic situation.

Recently, Kennedy and his team responded to the Southeast, offering aid to those affected by the catastrophic Hurricane Helene.

Similar to the situation in Afghanistan, many have criticized President Biden for what they see as a failure to adequately respond to the disaster.

Kennedy is among these critics.

According to the Special Forces operator, the president's actions even hindered rescue missions for the sake of a “photo op.”

“There was a ‘No Fly’ when the president flew in today,” Kennedy told Fox News’ “The Bottom Line” on Wednesday. “We had to land helicopters to not go rescue people so a photo op could take place.”

He called the situation “a travesty and... unconscionable.”

Kennedy’s efforts in the Southeast were part of a mission with Save Our Allies — an NGO he founded and leads as president — to assist in rescue and evacuation operations.

Despite their tireless work, Kennedy noted that he and his team received minimal support from federal officials.

“My heart is full to see Americans rise to the occasion like they always do, but it’s not our responsibility to have to go and answer the call like this,” Kennedy remarked.

“Save Our Allies has so many important relationships within the government that enable us to do these expeditionary missions, and we’re so grateful for those partnerships… but it shouldn’t be necessary.”

He also questioned, “Where is the federal response and the plan and the… command center that should be running all of this?”

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both visited the Southeastern U.S. last week, according to The Washington Post.

The report indicated that Biden would “tour more storm damage in Georgia and Florida” following a visit to the western mountains of North Carolina, where “the [death] toll was especially high.”

As of Saturday, CNN reported that the total death toll from Hurricane Helene had reached 227 across six states.

Kennedy isn’t the only figure to voice concerns about the administration’s response to the hurricane.

On Friday, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his frustration with the federal efforts, as reported by the National Review.

“They are scrambling to cover their egregious errors and mistakes. And there’s an effort to blame others or blame circumstances when this is just purely a lack of leadership and response,” Johnson stated.