USAID Administrator Samantha Power sparked outrage on Friday with a video showcasing American efforts to restore power in Ukraine, while nearly 700,000 homes and businesses in the US struggled with outages in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
In the video, Power stands in a Ukrainian energy substation, highlighting the destruction caused by Russian forces in 2022. She explains that the substation provides power to around 500,000 residents, but her words fell flat with many Americans who are still grappling with the devastating impact of the hurricane.
As Power touted the US’s efforts to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, many took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment. Photographer Anna Hitrova, from Asheville, North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit areas, spoke out about her own experience. Having been without power for nine days, she criticized Power’s post, saying, “I’m watching this video in a house without power… You’re making sure the lights stay on in Ukraine while thousands of Americans are still sitting in the dark.”
Others, including former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell, joined in the criticism. Grenell pointed out the stark contrast between the US’s efforts in Ukraine and the dire situation at home, where over 200 people have lost their lives and thousands have been devastated. He slammed Power’s post as “tone-deaf,” highlighting the need for the US to prioritize its own infrastructure and support its citizens in times of crisis.
