President Trump addressed the media after arriving at Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, North Carolina. He expressed his decision to prioritize visiting North Carolina over California due to recent events in the state. "Everybody thought I was going to California. I said, 'No, no. I'm stopping in North Carolina first, because they've been abused by what's happened,'" he stated.
Trump criticized FEMA's response and announced plans to assign Mr. Whatley and Governor Stein to lead recovery efforts. "FEMA has really let us down, let the country down," he remarked, adding that they would provide financial assistance with possible contributions from local sources.
The President emphasized a shift in disaster management responsibility from federal agencies like FEMA to individual states. "I'd like to see the states take care of disasters," he said, suggesting it could be more cost-effective and prompt.
In response to questions about potential changes at FEMA and aid for affected states, Trump mentioned direct aid distribution through his administration rather than FEMA. He also commented on issues related to California's water management and sanctuary city policies in Los Angeles.
Discussing international matters, Trump urged OPEC to reduce oil prices as a measure to end ongoing conflicts such as the one in Ukraine. "We want OPEC cut the price of oil," he noted, linking high oil prices with prolonged conflict.
Trump concluded by discussing deportation efforts, indicating that operations were progressing well with a focus on removing individuals involved in serious crimes.
