Bad weather forces Trump to scrap trip to hurricane-ravaged site in North Carolina
By Morgan Chalfant - 09/09/19 06:02 PM EDT
President Trump Donald John TrumpTrump's newest Russia adviser, Andrew Peek, leaves post: report Hawley expects McConnell's final impeachment resolution to give White House defense ability to motion to dismiss Trump rips New York City sea wall: 'Costly, foolish' and 'environmentally unfriendly idea' MORE canceled a planned visit to a neighborhood impacted by Hurricane Dorian in North Carolina due to inclement weather Monday afternoon.
Trump was originally supposed to visit Emerald Isle, an area that was devastated by the recent storm, but the White House said the severe weather would prevent Trump from taking a helicopter or motorcade through the neighborhood Monday afternoon.
Trump instead received a briefing on the hurricane aboard Air Force One. He was told by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) that the state had experienced three deaths due to the hurricane but that the damage was less severe than other recent storms.
"We were going to take a helicopter to Emerald Isle, North Carolina, which was hit very, very hard. Atlantic Beach was hit very hard. Certain areas were very hit," Trump said during the briefing.
"I guess it was very dangerous flying conditions. I said, 'Let's do it anyway,' and they said 'Sir, we'd rather not,'" Trump said.
Trump also thanked Cooper for coming and also mentioned governors of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, saying they "have really done a fantastic job, whether Democrat or Republican."
Trump also cheered the U.S. Coast Guard for its response efforts.
"They're been so incredible," Trump said. "I've always said the last three or four years, there's no brand that has gone up more than the United States Coast Guard. In Texas, they saved thousands and thousands of lives. They've done a job like I've never seen. Then you went to Florida, then you went to Puerto Rico. Then you went back here. And the job you've done in the Bahamas has been incredible."
And Trump said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was well-prepared for recovery efforts in Puerto Rico while noting the damage done in the Bahamas.
"It's really a life saving mission," the president said.
Trump was joined by acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan, Sen. Lindsey Graham Lindsey Olin GrahamSunday shows preview: Lawmakers gear up for Senate impeachment trial Parnas pressure grows on Senate GOP Senate GOP mulls speeding up Trump impeachment trial MORE (R-S.C.) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy Kevin Owen McCarthyCalifornia sues Trump administration over fracking Trump: Impeachment timing intended to hurt Sanders Overnight Energy: Schumer votes against USMCA, citing climate impact | Republicans offer details on their environmental proposals | Microsoft aims to be carbon negative by 2030 MORE (R-Calif.).
The president is scheduled to deliver remarks at a campaign rally Monday evening in Fayetteville, N.C., where he hopes to boost Dan Bishop, the Republican candidate in Tuesday's special election in North Carolina's 9th Congressional District.
Tags Kevin McCarthy Lindsey Graham Donald Trump