ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) – Newly inaugurated President Donald J. Trump will reportedly be returning to Western North Carolina on Friday, Jan. 24 to assess the ongoing Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts.

As first reported by the New York Post on Tuesday, the former and current president’s first official trip in office will be made to Western North Carolina later this week followed by a trip to California to see the wildfire destruction.

At an event in Greensboro, N.C. on Tuesday, Gov. Josh Stein confirmed the president’s travel plans to visit the mountains of North Carolina.

“We just learned that the President is coming to North Carolina,” Gov. Stein stated over a livestream. “I think that’s very good news for the people of Western North Carolina, that this issue is front of mind of the new administration.”

Donald Trump made a campaign stop in Asheville, NC on Aug. 14, 2024. While slated to speak on the economy, his remarks bounced back and forth from inflation, attacks on his Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris, immigration and more.
Then former President Donald Trump on a campaign stop in Asheville, N.C. on Aug. 14, 2024.

Stein declared his desire to meet the 45th and 47th President, saying, “I don’t know what my schedule is on Friday but hope to be able to see him.”

The freshly sworn in president claimed during his post-inauguration address on Monday, Jan. 20., “We have a government that has given unlimited funding to the defense of foreign borders but refuses to defend American borders, or more importantly, its own people.”

“Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina, who’ve been treated so badly,” Trump said. “And other states who are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago.”

Trump’s coming visit follows a previous visit to Swannanoa, N.C. immediately following the devastating flooding that washed out much of the valley town. On Oct. 21, 2024, the then former president spoke in front of piles of debris to reporters about the allegedly failed response of FEMA and the Biden Administration.

Exactly where and when the president is set to arrive this week are unknown at this time. But, Buncombe County officials are warning significant traffic impacts are anticipated midday, likely between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly. Details about road closures will be shared if they become available.