
With President Donald Trump back at the helm, there’s a renewed sense of optimism for the 3,500 North Carolina families who endured freezing conditions after former President Joe Biden’s administration abruptly ended FEMA support. While Biden sent aid packages worth $500 million to Ukraine, these families were left to face a winter storm, highlighting a stark contrast in priorities that left many feeling abandoned.
The termination of FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program occurred just as a severe storm brought snow and ice, pushing temperatures into the teens. Families were left with little choice but to seek shelter in makeshift arrangements or overcrowded facilities, with many reporting a lack of clarity from FEMA on why their support was cut off or how to proceed. This situation painted a grim picture of the previous administration’s focus on international aid over domestic disaster recovery.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has been a vocal critic of how the situation was handled, stating, “Our citizens were neglected while funds were diverted abroad.” Under Trump’s leadership, there’s an expectation of a policy shift that will prioritize these American families, offering them the federal resources they desperately need to recover from Hurricane Helene’s aftermath.
Trump’s administration is anticipated to redirect significant resources from foreign aid to domestic needs, a move that could provide substantial relief to North Carolinians. Unlike the previous administration, which only managed to provide 90 temporary homes, Trump’s approach is expected to be more comprehensive, aiming to restore stability to those affected.
Local shelters have been at their breaking point, struggling to accommodate the sudden surge of displaced families. However, with Trump’s return, there’s hope that federal aid will be swiftly mobilized, not just for immediate shelter but to ensure these families can rebuild their lives.
Trump’s team has already begun engaging with local authorities to tailor a response that directly addresses the needs of these North Carolinians, marking a clear departure from the previous administration’s approach.