Trump Vows To Cut Red Tape, Surge ‘Housing Solutions’ For Hurricane-Ravaged NC

President Donald Trump promised on Friday to deliver “rapid” solutions and reconstruction for residents in areas of North Carolina that were decimated by Hurricane Helene last fall.

Trump spoke at a press conference after meeting with people in Swannanoa, North Carolina, on Friday, promising to immediately sign an executive order “slashing all red tape and bureaucratic barriers and permits to ensure the rapid reconstruction of the roads here in western North Carolina.”

“We’re going to go through a permitting process that’s called no permitting. Just get it done,” Trump said. “That’s the way they built them many years ago. I guarantee you that.”

PRESIDENT TRUMP: "I'm pleased to announce that under our leadership, the federal government will be surging housing solutions to this state that go beyond mere temporary hotel stays… and today, I'll also be signing an Executive Order slashing ALL RED TAPE… to ensure the rapid… pic.twitter.com/imNW7YvQfg

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 24, 2025

The president also slammed the “ridiculous” response of the previous administration to the needs of North Carolinians.

“I’m pleased to announce that under our leadership, the federal government will be surging housing solutions to this state that go beyond mere temporary hotel stays that ended up being very short-term. The government wouldn’t do it any longer, which is ridiculous,” he said. “We’ll marshal all available resources to bring back potable water and make your water and infrastructure dramatically more reliable very quickly.”

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Earlier this month, dozens of Hurricane Helene victims were forced to leave the hotels they were staying in when their FEMA-sponsored vouchers expired, according to North Carolina Republican Sens. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis. FEMA told the senators that they were working on a solution for the North Carolina residents who lost their homes. During Trump’s press conference, he also gave the microphone to victims to share stories of how the hurricane affected them.

President Trump allows 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. pic.twitter.com/ofEDlFfl3X

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 24, 2025

More than 70,000 homes were damaged in North Carolina due to the flooding and mudslides caused by Hurricane Helene, forcing thousands of people to live in hotels, trailers, or even tents during the frigid winter months. The visit to western North Carolina marks Trump’s first trip since being sworn into office on Monday. Trump will also travel to Los Angeles County later on Friday to see the homes and businesses destroyed by the massive fires that broke out earlier this month.