Vance Visits NC for Hurricane Helene Recovery

Vice President-elect JD Vance visited western North Carolina to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and meet with first responders, marking one of his first public appearances since the election. During his visit, Vance toured the heavily affected town of Fairview, engaging with local volunteers and the family of Battalion Chief Tony Garrison, who died during rescue efforts. He emphasized the incoming administration's commitment to supporting recovery efforts and rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the storm, which caused an estimated $53 billion in damages and over 100 deaths. Vance's visit underscores the political dynamics in North Carolina, a state that largely supported President-elect Donald Trump, who has criticized the previous administration's disaster response. Meanwhile, President Biden has also assured ongoing federal support for the region's recovery. The visit also included a meeting with Samaritan's Purse, which is involved in ongoing reconstruction work.