Trump Gives Remarks During A Stop In Swannanoa, NC

By
Rachel Stevenson
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So, in classic Trump fashion, while the establishment and media were busy spinning their wheels, the former president was actually out there, boots on the ground, in western North Carolina, lending his support to communities wrecked by Hurricane Helene. With death tolls tragically high and devastation spread across multiple states, Trump’s visit on Monday brought a much-needed spotlight to the region, especially since, let’s be honest, Washington’s been slow to react.

Swannanoa, North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit areas, got a visit from the former president, where he thanked first responders, honored the heroic sacrifices of locals, and made it clear: when government falls short, Americans rise to the occasion. Trump’s knack for cutting through the fluff was on full display as he pointed out that “in North Carolina’s hour of desperation, the American people answered the call”—a not-so-subtle jab at how federal relief efforts tend to lag behind the needs of real people on the ground.

And let’s talk about that real people part. Firefighter Tony Ray Garrison, for example, who gave his life in an effort to help storm victims. Trump’s acknowledgment of Garrison’s sacrifice was a somber reminder that, while D.C. bureaucrats are busy pushing paper, ordinary Americans are out there, risking everything to help their neighbors. Adam Smith, a former Army Green Beret, even used his own helicopter to rescue folks trapped by the storm. Again, who’s stepping up when disaster strikes? Not the people writing checks from Washington, that’s for sure.

Trump’s visit wasn’t just about offering comfort, though; he’s also been working behind the scenes to raise some serious cash. Around $8 million has been raised for those affected by the storm, with $7 million already in the hands of those who need it. That’s real action, not just lip service. Meanwhile, Senator Ted Budd, who joined Trump, acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, saying it could take years to rebuild what was lost. But it’s comforting to know that Trump is using his platform to ensure that these communities aren’t forgotten.

Let’s face it: one of the reasons Trump remains so popular with his base is because he gets it. He doesn’t rely on flashy speeches filled with empty promises. Instead, he focuses on real-world problems and delivers real-world solutions. Brian Burpeau, a local business owner whose shop was completely flooded, said it best: “We’ve lost bridges, we’ve lost businesses, we’ve lost homes, we’ve lost people.” Yet Trump’s visit brings hope and a sense of urgency that these communities won’t be left “holding the bag,” as Smith put it.

While Washington drones on with partisan bickering, Trump shows up, rolls up his sleeves (or at least throws on an apron at a local McDonald’s, as we’ve seen), and connects with the people left in the storm’s aftermath. Sure, the mainstream media will spin this as another PR stunt, but for the folks in Swannanoa, it’s clear: Trump didn’t just bring words—he’s bringing action. And that’s something these communities won’t soon forget.

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