Asheville, NC – President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit western North Carolina on Friday in his first official trip since retaking office. The visit comes as the region continues its long recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which left widespread destruction and claimed at least 104 lives in the state.
The 47th president is set to arrive in the Asheville area around 10:30 a.m. and deliver remarks at 11:00 a.m. His visit is expected to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by communities still grappling with the storm’s aftermath.
Trump has been outspoken about his criticism of Democratic leaders’ handling of the disaster response, particularly in North Carolina. He first visited the western part of the state in October, roughly three weeks after the storm struck, just before securing his second term in office. During his inaugural address on Monday, Trump addressed the state’s recovery efforts, saying, “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.”
He continued, “North Carolina’s been treated very badly so we’re stopping there. And we’re going to then go to Los Angeles and take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow but they didn’t let the water flow.”
Hurricane Helene, which devastated homes and towns across North Carolina, is regarded as the most destructive storm in the state’s history, causing an estimated $53 billion in damage. The storm’s impact left many displaced and in dire need of aid.
In the days following his inaugural address, Trump emphasized his commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis, stating, “Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina, who’ve been treated so badly.”
In a news conference later that evening, Trump further criticized Democratic leadership, saying, “I’m going to North Carolina, which has been abandoned by the Democrats.” His visit will include a tour of the affected areas in the western part of the state before heading to Los Angeles to survey the damage caused by wildfires in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
Trump’s remarks in North Carolina are expected to focus on the recovery efforts and the need for swift action in the wake of the storm.
