Letter to the editor: Trump sabotages NC's recovery from Helene

Brunswick Beacon, 06.05.25

North Carolina is hurricane alley. Since recordkeeping began, 413 tropical and subtropical cyclones have struck the state. Nearly one-fifth of U.S. hurricanes hit us. And it’s getting worse. In the last three years, North Carolina was hammered by two of the five costliest storms in U.S. history: Ian in 2022 and Helene in 2024. Western counties are still reeling from Helene’s impact. At every turn, Donald Trump has sabotaged North Carolina’s recovery.

Helene struck on Sept. 27, during the height of the presidential campaign. Trump played politics, adding to people’s suffering by spreading lies and conspiracy theories. He lied that FEMA intentionally withheld aid from Republican areas. He lied that FEMA’s disaster money was “stolen” to house undocumented immigrants. Worst of all, he lied when he said Helene’s victims could get only $750 in FEMA aid.

As a result, only 15% of eligible North Carolina households applied for FEMA assistance last winter. Of 6,930 people eligible for housing assistance, more than 3,700 people, 53%, did not seek available federal aid.

Helene was, by far, the most destructive storm in state history, causing $59.6 billion in damage. Western North Carolina is still trying to dig out. In February, Gov. Stein asked FEMA to extend the period of federal aid for debris removal and emergency protective measures.

On April 11, Trump’s acting FEMA head, Cameron Hamilton, denied Stein’s request. Stein appealed directly to Trump: “The need in western North Carolina remains immense. I urge the President to reconsider FEMA’s bad decision.” Trump never responded.

Trump says, “You don’t need FEMA,” which he calls a “failed situation.” When Hamilton was asked at a May 8 congressional hearing if he agreed, he said, “I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.” Trump fired Hamilton the next day. His replacement denied Stein’s appeal.

Helene is an ongoing disaster for North Carolina. So is Trump.

Arthur Hill

Southport