Vice President-elect JD Vance Visits North Carolina to Address Hurricane Helene Recovery

Vance assures residents of federal support as the region grapples with extensive damage and ongoing recovery challenges.

Hurricane Helene caused over $53 billion in damage to North Carolina, with more than 100 fatalities and widespread destruction to homes, roads, and water systems.
JD Vance's visit to western North Carolina marks one of his first public appearances since the election, focusing on meeting first responders and touring damaged areas.
State leaders have requested $25 billion in federal aid, as local recovery efforts have been slow, with some residents still living in temporary shelters or tents.
Criticism has been directed at both federal and state relief efforts, with displaced residents and small businesses struggling to recover as winter approaches.
Vance emphasized the incoming administration's commitment to supporting recovery, visiting a home rebuilding project and honoring a firefighter who died during rescue efforts.