Former President Donald Trump visited Valdosta, Georgia, on Monday to extend his support to those affected by Hurricane Helene, which has devastated several states and claimed approximately 100 lives.
Standing in front of a damaged building, Trump expressed his solidarity with the victims: “We have a lot of truckloads of different items from oil to water, to all sorts of different equipment that’s going to help them. We’re here to stand in complete solidarity with the people of Georgia and all those suffering in the terrible aftermath of Hurricane Helene.”
Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across multiple states, including Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama. The storm’s impact has left around 600 individuals unaccounted for, and numerous homes have been ripped from their foundations, leading to extensive flooding.
“We are going to be with you as long as you need,” Trump reassured the residents. “You’re in our prayers, and we pray to God that you will have a lot of work throughout the long weeks ahead. But the result is going to be good. We wish so many people weren’t so badly hurt. We love you. We love everyone. Everyone, to be honest.”
Trump announced his partnership with the relief organisation Samaritan’s Purse to deliver essential supplies to the affected areas, including fuel and construction tools. “President Trump partnered with Samaritans Purse to deliver truckloads of critical, much-needed resources for the people of Georgia,” said Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
In addition to the relief efforts, Trump spoke with Elon Musk about providing satellite internet access to the affected regions. “I just spoke to Elon [Musk]. We want to get Starlink hooked up because they have no communication whatsoever, and Elon will always come through — we know that, so we’re working on that,” Trump stated.
During his visit, Trump also criticised President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, urging them to take a more active role in the relief efforts. “We do need some help from the federal government. They have to get together, ideally, with the governor. That governor needs to… he’s been trying to get them, and I’m sure they’re going to come through,” he said.
In response to the hurricane, President Biden addressed the nation on Monday morning, stating he would visit impacted areas when possible and highlighting the presence of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell in North Carolina.
When a reporter questioned Biden about his absence from the White House over the weekend, he replied, “I was commanding it,” before walking out the door. “I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before. I command it. It’s called a telephone and all my security people.”
As the recovery continues, local and federal leaders emphasise the importance of collaboration to support those in need following the catastrophic hurricane.
