Mayorkas blames climate change for lacking communication resources amid hurricane devastation

Biden administration Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed concerns about the lack of communication resources in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, blaming the increasing "severity and frequency of extreme weather events."

During Mayorkas's appearance on MSNBC's Chris Jansing Reports Monday, host Chris Jansing asked him about criticisms regarding failing communications infrastructure, including cellular service outages, amid rescue-and-recovery efforts and concerns over additional storms.

"I want to read something the mayor of Canton, North Carolina , said, talking about the frustration that a lot of people feel about the lack of communication. Here’s what he said: 'It is unacceptable and disgusting that in our time of need, cellular service for the entire region is blocked out. There’s no excuse for that. I mean, we knew the storm was coming. I can’t believe this is a normalcy,'" said Jansing.

The host then asked Mayorkas, "Is this a systemic problem? Is this something that is going to be more and more normal as we see more and more devastating storms? What do you say to people who are desperate to find whether the people they love are still alive?"

The Homeland Security secretary lamented that the communications infrastructure needed improvement.

"Well, I understand the concerns that are expressed. These are people in the midst of a tragic hurricane. That is precisely why we and others have been deploying communications resources to ensure that communication is reinstated as quickly as possible," Mayorkas responded.

"The reality is that the severity and frequency of extreme weather events are only increasing. And it is precisely why our infrastructure is in such need of improvement and strengthening, which is why the historic infrastructure funds that the president has delivered for the American people are so incredibly crucial, especially at this time, as we build for the weather of today and tomorrow, not according to the weather of yesterday," Mayorkas added.

After widespread criticism of the communications problems following the hurricane, Homeland Security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall announced Monday that FEMA would "install 30 Starlink receivers in western North Carolina to provide immediate connectivity for those in greatest need."

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Former President Donald Trump said Monday that he had spoken to billionaire Elon Musk about helping with communication resources for the victims of Hurricane Helene.

"Elon will always come through," said Trump.