In a previous press conference, President Joe Biden announced that over 3,600 federal personnel had been dispatched to assist in recovery efforts across multiple states.
On September 30, Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump visited Valdosta, Georgia, to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
Arriving with supplies coordinated by Samaritan’s Purse, a North Carolina-based organization, Trump spoke to supporters after receiving a briefing from federal, state, and local authorities, as well as meeting with local business owners.
“We stand in full support of the people of Georgia and all those suffering from the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” Trump said. “It was a huge storm, one of the largest anyone has ever seen.”
Earlier that day, President Biden also shared that more than 3,600 federal personnel were sent to aid recovery across the affected states. Additionally, Biden approved emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Alabama, and signed further disaster declarations for Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina to cover debris removal and financial assistance for those impacted.
Biden explained he had not yet visited the affected areas, stating, “I am committed to traveling to these locations as soon as possible, but I’ve been advised that it could disrupt ongoing recovery efforts. We won’t interfere with the resources needed to address this crisis.”
During Trump’s meeting with officials in Valdosta, he shared, “The relief teams I spoke with told me they’ve never seen anything this severe. Valdosta has been devastated.”
Trump informed the crowd that he brought semi-trucks loaded with relief supplies, including a tanker truck filled with gasoline, with more aid on the way. He also mentioned plans to collaborate with Elon Musk to restore Starlink internet service in areas still without power. Additionally, he announced that relief would be distributed to North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Alabama, and Tennessee.
“Every part of these communities has been impacted by this destructive storm, and many cotton and pecan farmers in Georgia have suffered. We’re going to support those farmers,” he added.
Trump was accompanied by Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, and several Georgia politicians, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, U.S. Representative Mike Collins, and former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler.
He praised them, along with Governor Brian Kemp, first responders, and the American public for their leadership and resilience.
“Our country faces many challenges, more than we should, but Americans are strong and smart,” Trump said. “Together, we’ll overcome these difficulties, rebuild Valdosta, and all other affected towns, emerging stronger, more united, and more prosperous.”
However, Trump also emphasized the need for further federal assistance.
Georgia, a key battleground state for Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, is crucial in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
But Trump noted, “In times of crisis, when fellow citizens are in need, politics doesn’t matter. This is not about politics. We all need to come together and solve this.”
He concluded his address by asking for a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives in the storm, followed by a prayer led by Franklin Graham.
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