President Trump Assesses Hurricane Helene Recovery in North Carolina
President Donald Trump visited Swannanoa, North Carolina, on Friday, January 24, 2025, to assess ongoing recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck the region in September 2024. The hurricane caused widespread destruction, leaving many communities in Western North Carolina struggling to rebuild. This marked Trump’s first trip since being sworn in for a second non-consecutive term.
During his visit, Trump met with families affected by the hurricane and toured damaged areas alongside First Lady Melania Trump. He was joined by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, U.S. Representatives Chuck Edwards and Virginia Foxx, and Franklin Graham, president of the Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse. Trump also received briefings from emergency responders and government officials on the progress of recovery efforts.
In Swannanoa, Trump addressed the media, criticizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its slow and bureaucratic response to the disaster. He suggested the possibility of “getting rid of FEMA” and instead providing disaster relief funds directly to states, arguing that this approach would be faster and more efficient. Trump emphasized his commitment to helping North Carolina recover, stating, “You are not forgotten any longer. You were treated very badly by the previous administration.”
The president’s visit was met with mixed reactions. Many residents expressed gratitude for his attention to their plight, while others remained skeptical about the long-term impact of federal aid. Local residents, such as Donald Barnwell and Martin Riggs, voiced concerns about the slow pace of debris cleanup and bureaucratic hurdles in accessing FEMA assistance.
Hurricane Helene caused over $50 billion in damages in North Carolina, with more than 100 lives lost. Despite FEMA distributing over $316 million in financial assistance, many residents continue to face challenges, including housing shortages and inadequate infrastructure repairs. Trump’s visit aimed to highlight these ongoing struggles and signal a renewed focus on disaster recovery under his administration.
The president concluded his visit by departing for California to assess wildfire damage, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to addressing natural disasters across the country.
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