- “In North Carolina's hour of desperation, the American people answered the call much more so than your federal government unfortunately,” said Trump. “Citizens poured into western North Carolina from all over the country bringing food, water, fuel, medical aid even helicopters, and their own rescue standards started, and they started at a very high level, incredible, what they've done.”
From a site of Hurricane Helene destruction in Asheville, North Carolina, former President Donald Trump pledged Monday to bring in a new crew to help the people of western North Carolina rebuild once he’s in office.
After shaking hands with state leaders, Trump expressed his disbelief at the devastation he saw while driving up to the press conference site. He said that on January 20 of next year, North Carolinians will have a new crew coming in to help with the response.
“The power of nature. Nothing you can do about it. But you gotta get a little bit better crew in to do a better job than has been done by the White House. It’s been not good, not good,” said Trump. “I’m here today in western North Carolina to express a simple message to the incredible people of the state. I’m with you, and the American people are with you all the way.”
Trump pledged to cut through bureaucratic obstacles to stand with communities as president. He said he would fully support the rebuilding of all towns and cities devastated by the storm, making the harmed property “greater and more beautiful than it was before” while also attracting businesses to move in.
North Carolina man who lost his business in Hurricane Helene gives a powerful prayer alongside President Trump:
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 21, 2024
“I believe that you can serve as a great inspiration to this community right now… I think God’s given you an indomitable spirit…” pic.twitter.com/9bnZ4AZ3ji
Several North Carolina Republicans joined Trump for a press conference on Monday, including Speaker of the House Tim Moore, US Sen. Ted Budd, and US Rep. Chuck Edwards, who thanked Trump for coming to get some dust on his shoes in the disaster area while others have flown over.
“I’ll just say as the Speaker of the State House, I’ve not gotten a single call from the White House,” said Speaker Moore, who is also running for Congress from the state’s 14th district. “But this man and his team have been in touch with us from day one. And, Mr. President, I appreciate that and looking forward to seeing you back in the White House.”
Additional leaders present were RNC Chair Michael Whatley, Sen. Tim Moffit, R-Henderson, Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard, and the owner of Pineview Buildings Mike Stewert, who laid his hand on Trump and prayed for him with the group.
Through the tragedy, Trump keyed on the inspiring American spirit shown in the face of adversity, with the most selfless acts of generosity and love. He reassured people that they won’t be forgotten, a fear expressed by some speakers.
“In North Carolina’s hour of desperation, the American people answered the call much more so than your federal government unfortunately,” said Trump. “Citizens poured into western North Carolina from all over the country bringing food, water, fuel, medical aid even helicopters, and their own rescue standards started, and they started at a very high level, incredible, what they’ve done.”
Trump applauded Adam Smith, a former Green Beret, who transformed the parking lot of a Harley Davidson dealership into a makeshift air base to help distribute supplies.
“The biggest fear that western North Carolina is sitting on right now, at least from the communities we’ve talked to, is being forgotten,” said Smith. “And to have you here and have an opportunity to have this conversation at a national level will keep western North Carolina on the map and not leave the communities holding the bag on the back end of this. So we’re very grateful that you’ve shown up, and we’re very grateful that you’ve taken the time.”
Meanwhile, North Carolina’s Gov. Roy Cooper criticized former president Trump, accusing him of lying about the crisis in western North Carolina and the government’s response.
“This is a flat out lie,” said Cooper in a response on X. “We’re working with all partners around the clock to get help to people. Trump’s lies and conspiracy theories have hurt the morale of first responders and people who lost everything, helped scam artists and put government and rescue workers in danger.”