Biden Estimates Milton Damage at $50 Billion, Plans Florida Visit for Sunday

The president repeated his call for additional funding from Congress to assist small businesses.

President Joe Biden provides an update on the federal government’s response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene, at the White House in Washington on Oct. 11, 2024. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden on Friday said that Hurricane Milton is expected to cause $50 billion in damages after the storm struck Florida, leading to extensive destruction and loss of life. The president plans to visit the state on Sunday to survey areas damaged by Milton.

“Experts estimate that … it’s caused damages of around $50 billion,” Biden said during a briefing at the White House on the government’s response efforts. He noted that the cost projection is for Hurricane Milton alone and may vary.