RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — President Donald Trump will visit western North Carolina on Friday, marking his first trip in his second term as President. The President has been laser focused on the state, visiting western North Carolina on the campaign trail, and mentioning it in his inauguration speech.
“Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina, been treated so badly,” President Trump said.
And now the Commander in Chief will make his first presidential visit of his second term to western North Carolina on Friday to see the devastated areas.
“I think President Trump wants to see that, wants to provide comfort to the folks who are still affected, and really just know that they have a Commander in Chief who cares about him,” Matt Mercer with the North Carolina Republican party said. “I think it just shows that he cares, he cares about North Carolina, he has a long running relationship with our state.”
The visit comes as Democratic Governor Josh Stein has also promised to cut through red tape to help the western side of the state.
“We must fast track getting people back into their homes as quickly as possible, we must support small business owners so they can keep powering our economy for decades to come,” Governor Stein said in his inauguration speech.
With FEMA help already extended but more aid needed, North Carolina Republicans are confident in the President’s promises to support the state alongside other leaders.
“You’ve seen Senator Budd and Senator Tillis talk about it, you’ve seen our state legislators talk about it, there needs to be every level of government working together to ensure we make Western North Carolina whole again,” Mercer said.
We’re still waiting for full details on the President’s plans and any announcements. We’ve also reached out to Governor Stein’s team on whether he’ll be with the President on Friday. We haven’t yet heard back.
