Biden delays Germany and Angola trip to monitor Hurricane Milton’s impact on Florida

U.S. President Joe Biden has postponed his upcoming visits to Germany and Angola as Hurricane Milton advances toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, the White House confirmed Tuesday.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the decision was made so the president could remain in Washington to oversee the federal response to the storm. She noted that the change was necessary “given the projected trajectory and strength” of the hurricane, which forecasters say could bring severe flooding and wind damage to coastal regions.

The White House did not specify when the trip will be rescheduled. The visit to Africa would have been Biden’s first to the continent as president, fulfilling a commitment made earlier in his term, which concludes in January.

Federal emergency agencies have been placed on alert as Florida and neighbouring states prepare for possible evacuations and infrastructure disruptions.