President Donald Trump arrived in western North Carolina on Friday, a region still reeling from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. In his first official trip of his second term, Trump delivered a heartfelt message to Americans in desperate need of federal support, pledging swift action to aid recovery efforts.
Trump’s First Stop: North Carolina
Speaking to reporters after landing, Trump explained his decision to prioritize North Carolina over California, stating that residents of the Tar Heel State had been “abused and forgotten” by the Biden administration.
“I’m stopping in North Carolina first because they’ve been abused by what’s happened,” Trump said. “It’s terrible. It should have been done. A lot of things should have happened that didn’t happen. So we’re here. We’re going to fix it. We’re working with the gentlemen behind me—you know who they are—and we’re going to fix it as fast as we can. It’s a massive amount of damage.”
The catastrophic Hurricane Helene, which struck in September, claimed 219 lives and caused an estimated $80 billion in damages across the state. Trump didn’t mince words when criticizing FEMA’s response, vowing to overhaul disaster recovery efforts to ensure efficiency and accountability.
“FEMA really let us down, let the country down,” Trump asserted. “And I don’t know if that’s Biden’s fault or whose fault it is, but we’re going to take over and do a good job. We’re going to assign Mr. [Michael] Whatley, who’s fantastic, and the governor, and everybody else to make sure the federal funds are spent properly.”
Trump emphasized the importance of collaboration, adding, “We’re going to supply a lot of the money—maybe 75%, with the state chipping in 25%—but we’re going to get it done as quickly as we can. We want to take care of the people of North Carolina.”
Comparing Responses: California vs. North Carolina
While California has also been grappling with wildfires, Trump made it clear that North Carolina was his priority. “Everybody’s talking about California, and that’s a mess. But I said, ‘I’m not going to California until I stop in North Carolina,’” he told reporters.
Trump criticized California’s handling of wildfire management, specifically targeting what he called unnecessary water restrictions. “I would like to examine a fire that could have been extinguished if they had allowed the water to flow, but they did not,” he said.
Rethinking FEMA and Disaster Recovery
Trump used the visit to outline his vision for disaster management, advocating for state-level control over recovery efforts. He argued that states are better equipped to handle disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, both financially and operationally.
“I like the concept where, when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it,” Trump explained. “FEMA sends in people who don’t even know the area to solve immediate problems—it’s something that never worked for me.”
The president vowed to reassess FEMA’s role in disaster recovery. “This is probably one of the best examples of it not working. We’re going to be doing something on FEMA that I think most people will agree with,” he said.
Trump concluded with a commitment to expedite cleanup and rebuilding efforts: “We’re going to figure out a plan for demolition and cleaning because not a lot has been done. We’re very disappointed in the Biden administration, but we’re going to make up for lost time.”
Samaritan’s Purse and Community Support
Following a briefing on the recovery efforts in North Carolina, Trump visited a small village outside Asheville. There, he met with residents who have benefited from the humanitarian work of Samaritan’s Purse, a relief organization led by Franklin Graham.
The visit highlighted the importance of grassroots efforts in disaster recovery. Trump praised the organization for its commitment to helping those affected by Hurricane Helene, saying, “These are the kinds of efforts that truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
Political Criticism of the Biden Administration
In addition to his remarks on North Carolina, Trump criticized former President Joe Biden’s administration for what he called a mismanaged response to Hurricane Helene. “It’s been a horrible thing, the way that’s been allowed to fester,” Trump said, referring to the months-long delays in federal assistance following the storm.
The president also reiterated his belief that the Biden administration’s missteps extended beyond hurricanes to other disasters, citing examples in Louisiana and California.
Conclusion
President Trump’s visit to hurricane-stricken North Carolina underscores his administration’s focus on reshaping disaster recovery policies. From criticizing FEMA to advocating for state-led responses, Trump’s approach aims to streamline efforts and provide faster, more effective relief for affected communities.
As recovery efforts continue, Trump’s hands-on approach and commitment to addressing the failures of previous administrations signal a new chapter in disaster management. His visit not only provided reassurance to the people of North Carolina but also highlighted the importance of accountability and efficiency in federal disaster response.