VP Kamala Harris dodges question asking about dispersing Hurricane Ian relief based on ‘equity’

Vice President Kamala Harris dodged a question asking her if she could explain what she meant when stating that the Biden administration would take “equity” into account when disbursing natural disaster relief.

Her comments came on Friday after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm, and in South Carolina as a Category 1 storm. At least 47 people died in Florida after the hurricane made landfall. Harris made the comments at the Democratic National Committee’s Women’s Leadership Forum.

“It is our lowest income communities and our communities of color that are most impacted by these extreme conditions,” Harris said. “We have to address this in a way that is about giving resources based on equity, understanding that we fight for equality, but we also need to fight for equity.”

In a video obtained by Fox News Digital, when asked if she could clarify the comments, she didn’t answer the question.

VP KAMALA HARRIS SAYS HURRICANE RECOVERY SHOULD TAKE ‘EQUITY’ INTO ACCOUNT

“Vice President, can you clarify what you meant about equity for hurricane relief,” Harris was asked.

Christina Pushaw, rapid response director for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign, said on Twitter that the comment by Harris is false.

DEATH TOLL RISES FROM POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE IAN; STORM CRAWLS ACROSS CAROLINAS, VIRGINIA

US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Committee Women’s Leadership Forum in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.
(Leigh Vogel/Abaca/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“This is false. [Harris’] rhetoric is causing undue panic and must be clarified,” said Pushaw. “FEMA Individual Assistance is already available to all Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian, regardless of race or background.”

On Friday, the White House said that it’s working with DeSantis and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide aid to individuals who were impacted by Hurricane Ian.

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US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the National Education Association 2022 annual meeting and representative assembly in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Harris highlighted educators role in communities across the country and the administration’s investments to support students and educators, according to the White House. Photographer: Tannen Maury/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images 
(Tannen Maury/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

When Hurricane Ian made landfall on Wednesday afternoon near Cayo Costa, Florida, it was just 2mph shy of reaching Category 5 strength.

Fox News’ Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.