At a North Carolina rally, President Trump suggested he might withhold FEMA disaster-relief funds if GOP Senate candidate Michael Whatley loses — then immediately called the remark a joke. The comment drew audible disapproval and renewed concerns about politicizing federal aid. Reporting cited by Politico found the administration denied or limited aid to several Democratic-led states while approving a far higher share of requests from Republican-led states. North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, which killed at least 107 people and caused nearly $60 billion in damages in 2024.
Trump Says He Might Withhold FEMA Aid From North Carolina If GOP Senate Candidate Loses — Then Calls It A Joke
Resident Anne Schneider, right, hugs her friend Eddy Sampson as they survey damage left in the wake of Hurricane Helene on Oct. 1, 2024, in Marshall, N.C. AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File
President Donald Trump drew audible groans from a North Carolina crowd after suggesting he would withhold federal FEMA disaster-relief funds from the state if Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley is not elected in November — a remark he immediately described as a joke.
Speaking while campaigning for Whatley, who is trailing Gov. Roy Cooper (D-N.C.) in polls, Trump referenced recent federal spending on recovery and the promise of additional assistance before delivering the conditional comment.
"We spent more than $2 billion in FEMA funding. And you know, you're waiting for some additional money to take care of some of the back. And I'm going to get that to you, Michael. Now, if Michael loses, I'm not sending it, okay?" Trump said. "No, I'm only kidding. You're getting it."
Although he framed the remark as a joke, critics pointed to the administration's record of tying disaster relief decisions to politics. Reports and administration data cited by Politico said the president overruled career officials to deny aid to several Democratic-led states and approved a far higher share of requests from Republican-led states.
Reporting And Data
A July Politico report found that the administration denied disaster aid to New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York after career officials recommended approval. According to administration statistics cited in reporting, requests for federal help from states with Democratic governors and two Democratic senators were approved at a rate of roughly 23%, while requests from states with Republican governors and two Republican senators were approved at about an 89% clip.
Local Impact
North Carolina is still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene in 2024, which officials say killed at least 107 people and caused nearly $60 billion in damages across the state. Residents and local leaders have urged continued federal support for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Why It Matters: Whether intended as a joke or not, the president's comment raised fresh concerns about the politicization of disaster relief at a moment when many communities remain vulnerable and dependent on federal assistance.
Photo caption: Resident Anne Schneider, right, embraces friend Eddy Sampson as they inspect damage after Hurricane Helene on Oct. 1, 2024, in Marshall, N.C. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
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