In a striking display of priorities, Joe Biden has announced plans for additional aid to both Ukraine and Maui. While the amount requested for Ukraine is a staggering $24 billion, the aid package for Maui is a mere $95 million. This stark contrast raises questions about the allocation of taxpayer-funded resources and the administration’s focus on global affairs versus domestic crises.

Biden’s request for $24 billion in aid to Ukraine would bring the total amount of U.S. taxpayer-funded assistance since February 2022 to a staggering $135 billion. This figure is mind-boggling, especially when compared to the relatively modest aid package for Maui. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has drained significant resources, with no end in sight. The administration’s commitment to Ukraine raises concerns about the allocation of taxpayer money and the long-term sustainability of such aid.

In stark contrast to the billions allocated to Ukraine, Biden has earmarked a mere $95 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to aid in the rebuilding of Maui. This comes in the aftermath of the deadliest fire in over a century, claiming more than 115 lives and leaving hundreds unaccounted for. The scale of destruction in Maui is immense, with preliminary estimates suggesting a rebuilding cost of over $5.52 billion. The $95 million allocated by the administration pales in comparison to the magnitude of the disaster and the resources required for recovery.

Adding insult to injury, Biden’s offer of a one-time payment of $700 per household to those affected by the Maui fires has been met with criticism. A budget expert at the Heritage Foundation calculated that this amount is less than what each household spends on the Ukraine war. This paltry sum has been deemed laughable by residents on the ground, who argue for more substantial support in the form of unemployment benefits and emergency subsidies. The disparity between the aid provided to Ukraine and the assistance offered to Maui residents is stark and concerning.

The fires in Maui have left thousands of residents homeless, with many living in temporary housing. Over 2,000 structures, including homes and commercial buildings, have been damaged or destroyed. The devastation is immense, and the need for swift and substantial assistance is evident. While a Hungarian company has sent 60 fold-up homes to Maui, the scale of the disaster requires more extensive support. The meager aid package offered by the administration fails to address the magnitude of the crisis and leaves many without a viable path to recovery.

Compounding the disparity in aid allocation, the Department of Defense announced a $250 million military assistance package to Ukraine. This amount is approximately 16 times more than the $16 million in assistance provided to 4,200 households affected by the Maui fires. The contrast in spending priorities is striking, raising questions about the administration’s focus on global conflicts versus addressing domestic crises. The allocation of resources should reflect the immediate needs of the American people, and the current disparity calls into question the administration’s judgment.