Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, have visited the island of Maui, which was hit by devastating wildfires. The visit comes after criticism of Biden’s response to the crisis, as it took him 13 days to visit the island after the fires claimed many lives and destroyed the town of Lahaina. During his visit, Biden promised that the federal government would provide assistance to Maui for as long as needed. He gave a speech next to a 150-year-old banyan tree that had been burned in the fires, stating that the tree symbolized the resilience and determination to overcome the crisis. Biden had faced criticism for his response, with protestors calling for more relief and former president Donald Trump calling his actions “disgraceful.” However, the White House defended Biden, stating that he had been in constant communication with local officials throughout the crisis. The visit also included meetings with first responders, briefings from state and local officials, and a blessing ceremony by island elders. The focus of the recovery efforts will be on rebuilding according to the wishes of the people of Maui and respecting their traditions and sacred lands. 850 people are still listed as missing, but the number is expected to decrease as the recovery process continues.