Trump’s Visit to Hurricane-Hit North Carolina Leaves Lasting Impact on Survivors

RALEIGH, N.C. — Two North Carolina residents who survived Hurricane Helene in September shared how a single phrase from former President Donald Trump resonated with them during his visit to hurricane-impacted areas on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Trump toured the region, which was devastated by the Category 4 storm that caused widespread destruction and claimed over 100 lives. The former president met with survivors and local officials, offering words of encouragement and pledging support for recovery efforts.

“When he said, ‘We will rebuild stronger than ever,’ it gave us hope,” said Mary Thompson, a resident of Asheville who lost her home in the storm. “It reminded us that we’re not alone in this fight.”

John Carter, another survivor from Hendersonville, echoed Thompson’s sentiment. “Hearing those words from someone who has been through tough times himself made a difference,” Carter said. “It felt like he truly understood what we’re going through.”

Hurricane Helene, one of the most destructive storms to hit the Southeast in decades, caused an estimated $20 billion in damages. Thousands of residents remain displaced, and recovery efforts are ongoing.

During his visit, Trump also met with local leaders to discuss federal aid and infrastructure improvements. “We need to ensure that these communities are not just rebuilt but are better prepared for future disasters,” Trump said in a brief statement to reporters.

The former president’s visit comes amid ongoing debates about federal disaster response and climate resilience. Critics argue that more needs to be done to address the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes in the region.

Despite the challenges, survivors like Thompson and Carter remain hopeful. “It’s going to take time, but we’ll get through this,” Thompson said. “We’re resilient, and we’ll come back stronger.”