This week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is a Republican, accused Vice President Harris of attempting to interfere with the cleanup efforts for Hurricane Milton. 

This accusation came after the two individuals engaged in a verbal exchange on the disaster, as Fox News reported.

After Harris accused DeSantis of playing political games by not accepting her calls to discuss Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, Andrew Ross Sorkin of CNBC questioned DeSantis about his communication with the vice president.

From the Gov's Office

DeSantis was probed about his communication with the governor.

In his response, DeSantis acknowledged that he is collaborating with Vice President Joe Biden and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Deanne Criswell.

He also mentioned that he had collaborated directly with the president during past hurricanes.

DeSantis Comments

“I didn’t even know she was trying to reach me, but she has no role in this process. And I’ve been dealing with these storms in Florida under both [former President] Trump and Biden," DeSantis told CNBC.

"Neither of them ever politicized it. And, in fact, all the storms I’ve dealt with under this administration, although I’ve worked well with the president, she has never called in Florida. She has never offered any support."

He added, “So, what she’s doing is she’s trying to inject herself into this because of her political campaign. So, as the governor here, who’s leading this, I don’t have time for those games. I don’t care about her campaign. Obviously, I’m not a supporter of hers.”

DeSantis Federal Outreach

Earlier on Thursday, Biden and DeSantis discussed Hurricane Milton, which made landfall late Wednesday. DeSantis expressed his gratitude to Biden for the substantial federal assistance provided to prepare for and respond to the hurricane, as reported by the White House. Criswell also participated in the conversation.

Harris referred to DeSantis as "selfish" on Monday in response to reports that the governor declined to answer her phone call. DeSantis responded on Tuesday by asserting that Harris was "trying to parachute in" as the Democratic candidate for the White House.

DeSantis also stated this week that Harris' accusation of "political gamesmanship" was "delusional," as he has maintained communication with Biden.

On Wednesday evening, Biden was questioned about whether DeSantis should accept Harris's calls. He emphasized the importance of his communication with the governor.

“All I can tell you is I’ve talked to Gov. DeSantis. He’s been very gracious. He’s thanked me for all we’ve done. He knows what we are doing, and I think that’s important,” Biden said.