Two years after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, communities are still waiting for billions in federal recovery funding. At a recent Gastonia campaign rally, President Donald Trump threatened to withhold that outstanding disaster assistance if Michael Whatley loses his Senate race.
“We spent more than $2 billion in FEMA funding, and you know you’re waiting for some additional money,” Trump told the crowd before turning to Whatley. “Now, if Michael loses, I’m not sending it.”
Trump followed the threat by saying he was “only kidding,” but for western North Carolinians still waiting for federal help two years after Helene, the possibility of federal disaster assistance being withheld is all too real. North Carolina is still seeking $10 billion in additional federal funding for Helene recovery.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein responded directly to Trump’s remarks, stating, “This is no way to respond to a tragic disaster, no way to run a country, no way to campaign for office. Western North Carolinians have been working their tails off for the past two years to recover from Helene. It’s time for Washington to match their grit and fund our $10 billion request.”
Federal assistance so far has covered only a fraction of the estimated $60 billion in damage Helene caused in North Carolina.
“Michael Whatley already failed Western North Carolina on Helene recovery, and now he wants a promotion to the U.S. Senate,” said Senate Majority PAC press secretary Christyna Thompson. “Two years later, communities are still scraping by, waiting on federal help that never showed up. Whatley was supposed to be the answer. Instead, he walked away from the job, and now he’s hoping voters forget.”
Trump’s comments about Helene funding carry particular significance for Whatley. Trump tapped Whatley to help lead the federal response in western North Carolina, where he became known as Trump’s “recovery czar.” Whatley also served on Trump’s FEMA Review Council and has said he personally suggested that Trump abolish FEMA.
As Michael Whatley doubles down on his support for President Trump, western North Carolina is still waiting on billions in federal assistance.
