President Donald Trump visited North Carolina on Friday, bringing renewed hope to regions still struggling to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene last fall. Many residents expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of adequate support from the Biden-Harris administration. Trump’s visit marked his first trip since being sworn in earlier this week and highlighted his commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis.
Trump Promises Rapid Action and Reform
Before departing for North Carolina, Trump spoke to reporters on the South Lawn, pledging swift action to help communities that have been overlooked for months.
“We’re going to North Carolina. It’s been a horrible thing, the way that’s been allowed to fester, and we’re going to get it fixed up. It should have been done months ago, from the hurricane that took place almost four months ago,” Trump said before boarding Marine One. “North Carolina has been treated very badly, so we’re stopping there.”
Once on the ground in the Tar Heel State, Trump turned his podium over to local residents, giving them a platform to share their frustrations and hardships. Many criticized FEMA for its bureaucratic inefficiencies, mismanagement of resources, and perceived political biases.
During his visit, Trump vowed to reform or potentially eliminate FEMA, citing reports that some workers avoided homes displaying Trump signs or flags. “We’re going to look into it, and we’re going to fix it,” Trump assured residents.
Heartfelt Stories from Hurricane Survivors
Among the residents who spoke with Trump was Curtis Wright, a Fairview local who lost his home and farming equipment in the hurricane. Wright’s father also lost his home and small business.
“He [Trump] seems like he genuinely cares, and…I’m glad that he’s here because it feels like we were forgotten or never taken care of under the other administration,” Wright told reporters.
Wright recounted Trump’s words during their meeting: “He said, ‘We’re here, and we’re going to help you,’ and I believe him.”
The president also met with families still living in temporary housing, including tents and campers. Many of these were donated by organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, the Cajun Navy, and Emergency RV. FEMA has also provided campers at designated sites, though local residents have criticized the agency’s overall response.
Holly Cape, a representative from Emergency RV, shared that the organization has donated 87 RVs to date and expects that number to grow to 104 by the end of next week.
Trump’s Commitment to Rebuilding North Carolina
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Asheville, North Carolina, around 10 a.m. on Friday, making stops in Fletcher and Swannanoa. At each location, Trump spoke with local officials, residents, and charitable organizations, reaffirming his commitment to rebuilding the region.
“We’ve come to North Carolina with a simple message for all the people of this region who were hit so hard by Hurricane Helene, and that message is very simple: You are not forgotten any longer,” Trump declared during a speech in Swannanoa.
Trump highlighted plans to involve the Army Corps of Engineers to address critical infrastructure needs, including riverbank repairs and road reconstruction. “You need your riverbanks fixed. You need a lot of roads fixed. And we’re going to get it done in rapid time,” he promised.
Charitable Contributions Drive Recovery Efforts
Many North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene have turned to private charities for assistance. Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and the Cajun Navy have played pivotal roles in providing aid, including temporary housing and other essential resources.
Cape emphasized the importance of community collaboration: “These families have lost so much, and it’s our duty to do what we can to help them rebuild their lives.”
Despite these efforts, scores of residents remain in dire need of long-term solutions. Trump’s visit has sparked hope that federal resources and streamlined processes will accelerate the recovery.
Moving Forward
After addressing hurricane recovery efforts in North Carolina, Trump departed for California to visit areas ravaged by wildfires. His back-to-back visits to disaster-stricken regions underscore his administration’s focus on addressing the immediate needs of affected communities.
Trump’s visit to North Carolina resonated with many locals, who felt abandoned in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. By pledging swift action, reform, and increased support, the president sought to send a clear message: “You are not forgotten.”
As North Carolina begins to rebuild, Trump’s commitment to the state and its residents offers a renewed sense of hope for those still grappling with the storm’s devastation.