President Trump announced millions in storm recovery funds Thursday for North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Kansas, marking a significant federal response to devastating natural disasters. The funding comes after lawmakers pressed the administration for faster aid to help residents recover from Hurricane Helene, flooding, and severe storms that hit multiple states.
Trump approved nearly $32 million in aid for North Carolina in response to flooding in July caused by Tropical Depression Chantal. The President posted the announcements on Truth Social, saying he had spoken with lawmakers from each state about their recovery efforts.
Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Senate candidate Michael Whatley, and other Republicans had asked for the funds. Trump informed Democratic Gov. Josh Stein of the move, showing bipartisan coordination in disaster response efforts. The funding will help communities dealing with the aftermath of devastating storms that left parts of the state in ruins.
Wisconsin will receive nearly $30 million in funding to help recover from major storms and flooding in August. The approval came after a conversation with Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who had been advocating for his state’s disaster needs.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers had requested a presidential disaster declaration in late August following massive flooding in the Milwaukee area. Vice President Vance had traveled to Wisconsin in August, where reporters pressed him on why the administration had yet to approve the state’s request for federal assistance.
Kansas will receive $5.7 million to aid with recovery from severe storms and tornadoes that hit the state. The funding addresses damage from violent weather systems that tore through communities, leaving residents struggling to rebuild.
The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe in South Dakota will also receive $500,000 for recovery from flooding earlier this year. This tribal assistance highlights the administration’s commitment to supporting Native American communities affected by natural disasters.
Sen. Ted Budd has been particularly critical of the Trump administration for the pace of funds released to help recover from Hurricane Helen. The storm devastated parts of North Carolina last year, leaving communities waiting months for federal aid.
Budd had said he would stall nominees for the Department of Homeland Security until the issue was addressed. An Associated Press analysis published Tuesday found the Trump administration is taking more than a month on average to approve disaster declarations.
The news outlet found it typically took less than two weeks for a disaster declaration to be granted in the 1990s and early 2000s. This slower response pace has frustrated state officials and residents who need immediate assistance for recovery efforts.
Disaster declarations provide added federal assistance for states recovering from storms or other natural disasters. The extended timeline means communities wait longer for crucial funding that helps rebuild homes, infrastructure, and local economies after devastating weather events.