In a stark reflection of the ongoing challenges following Hurricane Helene, former President Donald Trump surveyed the storm damage in North Carolina on Monday, directing pointed criticism at federal emergency responders. He voiced concerns over the disruption of their efforts due to armed harassment and rampant misinformation, characterizing the situation as detrimental to recovery operations. Trump, however, dismissed any fears that the aftermath of the hurricane would influence election outcomes in this critical battleground state.
When pressed about whether it was constructive to critique the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) amid their operational pause, prompted by threats of violence from militia groups, Trump reiterated his stance against the agency. He misleadingly claimed that FEMA's response was hampered because the agency had allocated resources to aid undocumented immigrants—a narrative that had already been debunked by U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards, a North Carolina Republican, who stood by Trump during the remarks.
“I think you have to let people know how they're doing,” Trump told reporters in Swannanoa, just outside Asheville. “If they were doing a great job, I think we should say that, too, because I think they should be rewarded... If they're doing a poor job, we're supposed to not say it?”
Trump's North Carolina visit was part of a larger campaign push as both he and his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, ramped up efforts in the final weeks leading to Election Day. During his tour, Trump made three stops across the state, culminating in a rally in Greenville and an event targeting Christian voters in Concord. At the latter, he reiterated his opposition to transgender athletes in women's sports and proposed a sweeping deportation initiative, emphasizing his administration's efforts to support Christian communities.
Meanwhile, Harris concentrated her campaigning on the "blue wall" states—suburban Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin—where she held discussions alongside Republican Liz Cheney. Cheney, who faced backlash for her anti-Trump stance and ultimately lost her congressional seat, encouraged Republicans who feel uneasy about Trump to vote their conscience privately.
The repercussions of Hurricane Helene are significant, with many counties in North Carolina having to adjust their election processes due to displacement caused by the storm. Thousands of voters remained without basic utilities as early voting commenced, prompting both political parties to scramble to maintain their turnout operations. Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley emphasized the need for comprehensive outreach efforts, including phone calls and direct mail, to inform displaced voters about where to cast their ballots.
Despite the extensive damage and disruption, Trump expressed confidence in North Carolina’s election integrity, asserting that the storm would not undermine the election process. “No, I think in a way, it's the opposite,” he stated. “I mean, we're so impressed, and I think they have a pretty good system here.”
Local residents echoed the sentiment, with some acknowledging the challenges faced by Trump supporters affected by the storm. Renee Kyro, a resident near the hard-hit Chimney Rock, noted that many in her community lacked reliable communication methods, which could hinder their ability to find polling locations. “I'll go door to door if I have to,” she pledged.
In contrast, State Senator Natalie Murdock, who serves as the political director for the Democratic coordinated campaign, assured that their party had the resources and infrastructure in place to reach affected voters. Volunteers from Democratic offices across the state were actively involved in recovery efforts, distributing essential supplies to those in need.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, called on Trump to refrain from spreading misinformation about the storm recovery, emphasizing the necessity for a united effort to aid storm survivors. “Many storm survivors lost everything, and they want help and truth,” Cooper stated during a briefing in Asheville. “We should work together to give them both. Storm recovery cannot be partisan.”
Edwards, who represents the Asheville area in Congress, countered several unfounded rumors regarding FEMA's operations, detailing the agency’s efforts and denouncing the spread of false narratives without defending Trump’s criticisms. In a light-hearted moment, he presented Trump with a “French fry certification pin,” referencing the former president’s recent photo opportunity at a McDonald's.
The Biden administration responded to Trump's comments, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labeling them “dangerous” and indicating that they had been debunked by both sides of the aisle. She highlighted that 5,500 federal personnel were deployed in response to both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, with $2 billion in federal assistance approved for those affected in North Carolina.
As the campaigns continue to intensify, North Carolina's complex electoral history further complicates the political landscape. The state has witnessed a trend of split-ticket voting, making it a pivotal battleground. Democrats have managed to win the presidential electoral vote only once since 1992, while Republicans have won just one gubernatorial race in the same time frame. Governor Cooper, who cannot run for re-election due to term limits, won his last race by 4.5 points, despite Trump outperforming Biden in the same election.
Democratic hopes are buoyed by the struggles of Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson, particularly following damaging revelations from CNN regarding his past statements and behavior. Robinson has denied the allegations and is currently engaged in a defamation lawsuit against the network. When asked about the race, Trump refrained from offering support for Robinson, stating, “I’m not familiar with the state of the race right now. I haven’t seen it.”
As North Carolina continues to recover from the storm's aftermath, the interplay of political campaigns, disaster recovery efforts, and the realities faced by residents underscores the intricate dynamics at play in shaping the upcoming election.
