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Trump 'kids' that he'll only send more FEMA funding to WNC if Whatley wins Senate race

Trump made the aid-related joke at a campaign event, then said he was kidding and that the money would be sent.

Trump 'kids' that he'll only send more FEMA funding to WNC if Whatley wins Senate race
Image · WFAE 90.7 - Charlotte's NPR News Source

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Outlet credibilityWFAE 90.7 - Charlotte's NPR News Source79/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Sep 29, 2026
tl;dr

President Trump joked that additional Hurricane Helene aid to western North Carolina would depend on Michael Whatley winning the Senate race, then said he was kidding. The remarks drew criticism from Democrats and a Whatley campaign defense.

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Donald Trump R · President of the United States
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Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who joked that additional Helene aid depended on Whatley winning

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Republican Senate nominee whose campaign defended the administration's disaster-recovery efforts

Whatley's version of this story ↗
Andy Kim
D · NJ · SEN

Senator who criticized Trump's remarks

Tim Moore
R · NC-14

Representative credited by the Whatley campaign with helping deliver disaster-recovery aid

Republican House nominee who appeared with Trump and praised his handling of the economy and social issues

Jamie Ager
D · NC

Democratic nominee opposing Balkcom in the House race

Roy Cooper
D · NC

Democratic Senate nominee and Whatley's opponent

Ted Budd
R · NC · SEN

Senator credited by the Whatley campaign with helping deliver disaster-recovery aid

Part of a bigger story

3 OUTLETS
Trump Makes FEMA Aid Remark at Whatley Senate Campaign Event

President Donald Trump joked at a campaign event that additional FEMA aid for western North Carolina depended on Michael Whatley winning his Senate race, then said he was kidding. Center outlets focus on reactions to the remark, including criticism, Whatley’s campaign defense and differing responses from district candidates.

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