White House says ‘there was no indication’ DeSantis would snub Biden visit after Idalia

White House officials said Saturday they were caught flat-footed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision not to meet with President Biden when Biden visits the state later today.

Biden had said earlier he would meet with the governor as he tours areas of Florida damaged by Hurricane Idalia, but the DeSantis team contradicted the president. 

“In these rural communities, and so soon after impact, the security preparations alone that would go into setting up such a meeting would shut down ongoing recovery efforts,” said DeSantis spokesman Jeremy Redfern.