After being inaugurated on Monday, President Donald Trump embarked on a tour of disaster-affected areas from coast to coast on Friday, where he floated the idea of dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and linked California fire recovery funding to changes in voting laws.

Trump journeyed from Washington D.C. to Asheville, North Carolina, where he met with communities still reeling from last year’s Hurricane Helene, which caused severe flooding. He then proceeded to Los Angeles to survey the destruction wrought by ongoing wildfires.

During this first presidential visit, Trump interacted with governors, local officials, emergency responders, and property owners.

Here are some key highlights.

Trump and Newsom Set Aside Differences

The rapport between Trump, a Republican, and California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has often been strained.

Trump often refers to Newsom derogatorily as “Newscum.”

However, on Friday, the two leaders worked together in response to an unprecedented natural disaster.

Upon Trump’s arrival in Los Angeles, Newsom was there to greet him as he descended from Air Force One. They shared an embrace and addressed the media together.

“We need your support and assistance,” Newsom expressed. “You were there for us during COVID; that’s not forgotten, and I trust we can collaborate effectively.”

Trump affirmed, “We’ll handle it.” He further discussed the substantial federal assistance California would require, which Newsom confirmed.

“We’re going to take care of things,” Trump assured.

Trump Proposes Ending FEMA

Trump intensified his attacks on FEMA during his tour, suggesting a potential dismantling of the agency given its performance in response to Hurricane Helene.

Following a briefing in Fletcher, North Carolina, he stated, “I’ll be signing an executive order to initiate a fundamental reform or perhaps even a cancellation of FEMA. Honestly, FEMA has not been effective.”

He alleged that FEMA workers lack knowledge about disaster zones when providing assistance and pointed out that the agency’s regulations often fall short compared to local emergency protocols. Trump advocated for direct funding to governors for disaster management instead.

“FEMA has proven to be a failure,” Trump declared. “I believe we should consider eliminating FEMA and instead supply states directly – we would pay a percentage.”

After engaging with flood victims in Swannanoa, North Carolina, he further stated, “If it were up to me, I would terminate it immediately.”

Harrowing Accounts from North Carolina Flood Victims

Residents affected by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina recounted their terrifying experiences escaping rising floodwaters when speaking to Trump on Friday, asking for aid four months post-disaster.

Thomas Bright described spending four hours on the roof of his family’s home in East Asheville, which had stood for 80 years. During his ordeal, he wrote farewell messages on his phone to his two children and grandchildren as flood debris floated by.

“We honestly feared for our lives,” Bright recalled. “We witnessed homes, trailers, and even bodies drifting past us.”

Mona Nix-Roper, from the Fairview area, described her home turning into an island as floodwaters surrounded it. While escaping with her son, they encountered a neighbor’s lifeless body in the water.

“Horrific is the only word that comes to mind,” Nix-Roper said. “People were everywhere searching for loved ones, and there were deceased individuals. My son warned me, ‘Mom, prepare to see things you don’t want to.’”

When she concluded her story, Trump embraced her.

“I’ve witnessed much devastation, but nothing compares to this,” he remarked.

Political Implications Surround Trump’s Disaster Site Visits

Politics loomed over Trump’s interactions in the disaster-stricken regions of North Carolina and California.

He recounted an incident where a whistleblower claimed that FEMA crews declined to assist residents who had Trump 2024 campaign signs displayed in their yards. Trump noted that both North Carolina and neighboring Tennessee were among his supporters in the last election, with Tennessee slightly more favorable.

“It doesn’t matter now: Biden’s performance was poor,” Trump stated.

Additionally, he urged California to implement voter ID laws to ensure the legality of voters receiving disaster aid for the fires near Los Angeles. He reiterated his concerns that the state should redirect funds from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to combat wildfires.

Upon arriving in Asheville, North Carolina, Trump said, “I want two things. After that, I will be recognized as the greatest president California has ever had.”

Trump notably did not extend an invitation to Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif., a frequent adversary. Schiff argued that bipartisan efforts could modify the Environmental Protection Agency and FEMA but urged against attaching stipulations to disaster assistance.

“We have never imposed such conditions on our fellow citizens in need,” Schiff conveyed during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

Trump Urges Quick Permitting for Rebuilding Post-Fires

After surveying damage caused by fires in Pacific Palisades on Friday, Trump convened a meeting with local officials in California, pressing them to expedite rebuilding permits for residents affected.

The discussion lasted over an hour, during which Trump frequently emphasized the urgency of the permitting process.

Trump announced plans to waive or significantly accelerate federal permitting requirements following the wildfires devastating areas around Los Angeles, stating, “Local officials, I hope, will follow suit.”

California’s congressional representatives, along with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and local leaders, participated in the meeting, sharing their insights on recovery efforts. Trump was attentive and raised concerns at times.

Homeowners voiced their anxiety about the rebuild timeline.

“We are fully dedicated to restoring this community,” Bass reassured.

Trump insisted that the permitting process should span days instead of months or years.

“We can’t let a federal permit take a decade; we are not going to allow that,” he declared. “We want this done in under ten days.”

Bass acknowledged the importance of considering “hazardous waste,” but believed that if individuals are rebuilding “essentially the same… they shouldn’t face significant hurdles.”

“What constitutes hazardous waste? We need a clear definition,” Trump replied, insisting that residents should be allowed to start the rebuilding process immediately.

“And we will,” Bass affirmed.

Others raised concerns regarding insurance challenges homeowners are experiencing. Trump also consistently questioned California’s water management policies.

The president reassured them that “the federal government stands firmly behind you,” while still hinting at potential strings attached to federal fire recovery assistance.