Yesterday, President Donald Trump visited disaster-stricken regions in North Carolina and California, demonstrating strong leadership and direct engagement with the affected communities. In North Carolina, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, Trump criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its bureaucratic inefficiencies and announced plans to reform or potentially eliminate it. He pledged federal support to expedite recovery, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and providing housing solutions beyond temporary accommodations. His visit included interactions with local residents, where he listened to their experiences and promised swift action to aid their recovery.
Moving to California, Trump toured areas ravaged by wildfires, notably in Los Angeles, where he met with state officials including Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite past political tensions, Trump emphasized the need for immediate action, criticizing previous water policies but also offering federal assistance contingent on policy reforms. Trump’s approach was direct, engaging with both officials and the public, showcasing his commitment to getting things “straightened out” quickly for the disaster-hit communities.
His visits underscored a hands-on approach, focusing on cutting through red tape to ensure that aid reaches those in need promptly. Trump’s presence was not just about offering condolences but was marked by a proactive stance to overhaul disaster response mechanisms for more effective, state-driven solutions. He did not hold back from delivering criticism where it was deserved, notably to the Mayor and insurance companies.
Thump lets NC victims name names and identify insurance companies that bailed on them
President Trump allowed Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina to tell their heartbreaking stories in front of the nation. The forgotten men and women of this country are forgotten no more.
A powerful moment today in North Carolina with President Trump visiting the victims of Hurricane Helene.
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) January 24, 2025
I have never witnessed the most powerful man in the world show so much compassion and empathy for the forgotten men and women of our country.
I am so proud of our President. pic.twitter.com/qcbOJ8kAMr
🚨#BREAKING: Western North Carolina residents who have been sitting in FEMA hotels for months, are now being moved rapidly into long-term, fully furnished apartments.
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) January 22, 2025
THE TRUMP EFFECT IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Usl4CnK7ai
So let me just get this straight…
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) January 24, 2025
President Trump is sending the Army Corps of Engineers BACK to Western North Carolina to help us fix ALL the roads and bridges …
…SO CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY DIDN'T BIDEN DO THIS FOR US ANY TIME IN THE PAST 4 MONTHS?!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/UDMpDVJqpg
On to California where he abandoned Newsom
Everyone in California not named Gavin Newsom joins Donald Trump for a roundtable discussion about wildfire recovery in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/xo0ZIp924Q
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) January 25, 2025
Trump flew into LA, sidelined Newsom, told Bass she is incompetent to her face, and offered actual solutions for rebuilding. He didn’t even let Gov. Gavin Newsom on his helicopter, Marine One!
JUST IN – Aerial view captured during Trump's visit reveals devastation caused by wildfires in Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/FdvTszSPRJ
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) January 25, 2025
JUST IN: President Trump and LA mayor Karen Bass spar on live TV, Trump tells her to stop taking so long.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 25, 2025
The spat we’ve all been waiting for.
Trump: “I'm exercising my emergency powers. You have to exercise them also. You can do everything within 24 hours.”
Bass: “And if… pic.twitter.com/PCdcjS431S
I thought it was weird L.A. Mayor Karen Bass only posted a three second clip of the press conference she did with President Trump about the fires.
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 25, 2025
At the presser, Trump chastised her on prohibitions for residents to begin cleanup of their properties. Bass lied and said they are… https://t.co/vjRRxB5sBu pic.twitter.com/h5CSdCvEnU
INCOMPETENT BUREAUCRATS RIGHT THERE.
— John Metzner (@JohnRMetzner) January 25, 2025
LA Mayor Bass heckled at Trump meeting, argues with the President
Fire victims to Bass: This is YOUR responsibility
Bass: Victims can go back to homes in a week?
Trump: You can do everything in 24 hours
Spot the leader. pic.twitter.com/hHKlFIv41P
Trump takes over the supply of water
.@POTUS is right.
— Chamath Palihapitiya (@chamath) January 25, 2025
Snowmelt from the Sierra Nevadas and rainfall sent almost 30 million cubic acres of water into the Sacramento River Delta over the past 15 months.
Of this, only 23% was sent to productive use in farmland irrigation and homes.
A staggering 77% was sent to… https://t.co/sqfGHKDlSK pic.twitter.com/yEQUg5ctMf
President Trump signs an Executive order prioritizing Southern Californians over the imaginary delta smelt fish. Now Gavin Newscum can send 100 billion gallons of water per year to Southern California instead of dumping it in the Pacific Ocean for no good reason.… pic.twitter.com/LgNdcEmsXy
— Steve Milloy (@JunkScience) January 21, 2025