In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Helene, former President Donald Trump visited Swannanoa, a small North Carolina community ravaged by the storm, to express his admiration for residents who braved the wreckage to cast early votes. Speaking at a news conference on October 21, 2024, Trump praised the resilience of North Carolinians, more than 353,000 of whom broke records by voting on the first day of early voting, despite significant storm damage.
“We love you,” Trump said, when asked what message he had for these early voters. “These are special people. They lost their homes, yet they still showed up to vote. That’s heart, that’s grit.”
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, hit the Southeast in late September, leaving widespread flooding and destruction in its wake. North Carolina has been one of the hardest-hit states, with at least 95 deaths and many communities still facing months of recovery. In response, Trump launched a GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly $8 million to aid the recovery efforts. During his visit, Trump reassured the community of his continued support and pledged that, if re-elected, he would “completely rebuild every town affected by the hurricane.”
Local business owners expressed their appreciation for Trump’s visit. Brian Burpeau, owner of a storm-damaged automotive business, told Trump, “We needed that shot of hope in the arm. Your visit shows us we’re not forgotten.”
Trump’s visit was not only a gesture of solidarity but also a reminder of the stakes in the upcoming presidential election, with North Carolina seen as a key battleground. Trump holds a narrow lead over his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the state. As both candidates campaign fiercely, the resilience of North Carolina’s voters could play a pivotal role in determining the nation’s next president.
In an impromptu prayer during the visit, Mike Stewart, a local business owner who lost everything in the storm, asked for God’s wisdom and strength for Trump as he continues his presidential campaign. Stewart’s words of faith and hope echoed the sentiment of a community determined to rebuild and move forward, no matter the obstacles ahead.
