Former President Donald Trump visited the storm-ravaged community of Swannanoa on Monday. He expressing admiration for North Carolinians who are recovering from Hurricane Helene while turning out in record numbers for early voting.
Standing in the debris at the Diamondback 4×4 automotive service center—a business severely damaged by the hurricane—Trump lauded the spirit of residents who are participating in the democratic process despite facing significant hardships.
“The first thing I’d say is, ‘We love you,’ because that’s really something special, really, for them to do that,” Trump said at an Oct. 21 news conference. “I mean, they lost their house and they’re standing outside, voting. These are special people. These are people with heart.”
Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, struck Florida on Sept. 26 before moving northward into states including North Carolina.
The storm caused widespread flooding, landslides, power outages, and tragically claimed at least 95 lives in North Carolina alone.
Despite the devastation, more than 353,000 North Carolina voters cast ballots on Oct. 17, breaking the state’s record for the first day of early voting, according to election officials.
Over 1 million votes have been cast so far, even as 25 of the state’s 100 counties are declared disaster areas.
“We want them to vote, but we want them to live and survive and be happy and healthy,” Trump added. “Because this is really a tragedy.”
Brian Burpeau, owner of Diamondback 4×4, expressed gratitude for Trump’s visit. “Mr. President, I can’t thank you enough for coming out. We need that shot of hope in the arm. We need to know we’re going to be okay and not forgotten,” he said.
Trump pledged continued support for the recovery efforts. He initiated a GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly $8 million to assist those most affected by the hurricane.
“The American people are with you all the way,” Trump assured community members.
During his visit, Trump also addressed the performance of federal emergency responders.
When asked about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), whose work has faced challenges due to safety concerns and misinformation, he called upon accountability.
“I think you have to let people know how they’re doing,” Trump said. “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?”
FEMA had recently paused its work in some areas following reports of potential threats to their personnel.
Trump expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the agency’s efforts, stressing the need for efficient support during critical times.
With 15 days until Election Day, both Trump and Harris are intensifying their campaigns in North Carolina, a key battleground state.
Trump had multiple stops scheduled in the state on Monday, while Harris’s campaign is also ramping up activities.
Republican National Chairman Michael Whatley highlighted the state’s significance. “We are going to win or lose the presidency based on what happens in North Carolina,” he said during a GOP bus tour.
Early voting began last Thursday, and despite the hurricane’s impact, turnout has been strong. Both parties are working diligently to inform voters about any changes to polling locations due to storm damage.
“We’re working every channel we can,” Whatley said. “We’ll be doing phone calls, direct mail, emails, and digital—basically anything we can do to let people know where to go.”
Republican volunteers like Renee Kyro, who lives near the devastated Chimney Rock community, are committed to ensuring voters are informed. “I’ll go door to door if I have to,” she said.
As North Carolinians continue to rebuild, their determination to participate in the election stands as a testament to their resilience and commitment to democracy.