Former President Donald Trump visited Georgia today alongside Governor Brian Kemp to assess the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm, which recently tore through the Southeast, has left a trail of destruction across Georgia, displacing thousands and causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. As Trump and Kemp surveyed the aftermath, they expressed concern for the many people still unaccounted for in the wake of the hurricane.
Trump praised Kemp’s leadership during the crisis, highlighting the state’s efforts to respond swiftly to the destruction. “I’ve never seen damage like this,” Trump said during the visit, visibly struck by the level of devastation. “We’re working hard to get everyone the help they need, but I’m really concerned about the number of people still missing.”
Hurricane Helene has caused widespread flooding, power outages, and extensive structural damage throughout the region, particularly in rural areas that remain difficult to reach. Emergency crews have been working tirelessly to locate missing residents, restore services, and clear debris from roads and neighborhoods. According to state officials, hundreds of people are still missing, with search-and-rescue teams continuing to comb through heavily impacted areas.
Governor Kemp echoed Trump’s concerns and outlined ongoing recovery efforts in the state. “We’re doing everything in our power to locate those who are missing and to provide relief to the affected communities,” Kemp said. “The damage is immense, but Georgia is resilient, and we’ll get through this.”
Trump Focuses on Immediate Relief and Long-Term Rebuilding
During his visit, Trump called for continued federal support for Georgia and other affected states, emphasizing the importance of both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding. He acknowledged the challenges facing local communities as they attempt to recover from the hurricane’s devastation, but also highlighted the spirit of cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies in addressing the disaster.
“We’re not going to forget the people of Georgia,” Trump said. “It’s going to take time, but we’re going to rebuild, and we’re going to make sure every person affected by this storm gets the support they need.”
The Emotional Toll on Residents
For many in Georgia, Hurricane Helene’s impact has been both physical and emotional. Families are still waiting for news about loved ones who are missing, while others are facing the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and businesses. The storm has also sparked concerns about long-term recovery, as the region grapples with damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, power grids, and water systems.
Governor Kemp has urged residents to remain strong and patient as recovery efforts continue. “We’re all in this together,” he said. “It’s going to take time, but we’re going to get through this as a community.”
Next Steps for Georgia’s Recovery
As search-and-rescue operations continue, both Trump and Kemp emphasized the need for coordination between federal and state agencies. Federal disaster relief funds have already been allocated to assist in the recovery, and local authorities are working with FEMA to provide aid to those affected by the storm.
The full extent of Hurricane Helene’s impact is still being assessed, but officials remain focused on addressing the immediate needs of displaced residents, restoring utilities, and supporting ongoing recovery efforts.