President Donald Trump is set to visit Western North Carolina on Friday to meet with locals affected by Hurricane Helene, which struck the region in late September. The devastation caused by the hurricane has prompted scrutiny of the federal government's response in the months following the disaster.
Republican North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis and Sen. Ted Budd have both expressed appreciation for the attention given to Western North Carolina by the Trump administration. Tillis highlighted the president's commitment to the recovery and rebuilding process, emphasizing the importance of providing housing for families facing uncertainty.
Despite FEMA's Transitional Housing Assistance program providing temporary shelter for thousands of households, some residents are still living in tents and campers due to the lack of suitable housing options. The recent extension of the TSA program deadline to May 26 has provided relief to over 3,000 eligible families.
President Trump's upcoming visit to North Carolina is seen as a response to the ongoing challenges faced by residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Trump has criticized the previous administration's handling of FEMA assistance and has pledged to address the needs of those affected by the disaster.
Sen. Tillis expressed optimism about working with the Trump administration to ensure that federal resources are effectively deployed and bureaucratic obstacles are removed to facilitate access to housing for affected families.
President Trump's visit to Western North Carolina underscores his administration's commitment to supporting the region's recovery efforts and addressing the lingering impact of Hurricane Helene. The president's engagement with local officials and residents reflects a proactive approach to assisting communities in need.
