Published on: January 24, 2025

Steve Bannon and Ben Bergquam discussed the inadequate response to natural disasters in Appalachia, including areas of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Bergquam highlighted the struggles of hurricane survivors who have been living in tents during harsh winters due to FEMA’s slow and ineffective response. While FEMA provided some hotel vouchers and assistance, much of the relief effort came from donations and grassroots organizations, as government aid fell short. Bergquam expressed frustration with bureaucratic red tape, stating, “I’ll ask for forgiveness before I ask for permission,” emphasizing the need to bypass ineffective systems to help those in need. Bergquam criticized the Biden administration for neglecting American citizens while prioritizing aid for illegal immigrants. He reported from a Chicago hotel where newly arrived migrants received warm accommodations, meals, cash cards, and other benefits, contrasting it with the dire conditions faced by hurricane survivors in Appalachia. Bergquam accused the administration of orchestrating what he called a “highly organized invasion” that prioritized migrants over U.S. citizens. He emphasized that communities in Appalachia had to rely on their own efforts, such as grassroots groups like the Appalachian United Initiative, to provide relief and rebuild. Bannon and Bergquam also discussed the broader political implications, tying the Biden administration’s policies to the suffering of Americans in neglected regions. They noted that President Trump had prioritized these areas by visiting North Carolina and showing support for disaster-stricken communities. Bergquam asserted that Trump’s leadership marked the end of neglect and a renewed focus on putting Americans first. The segment emphasized the stark divide between grassroots resilience and perceived government failures under the current administration. Ben Bergquam and Brian Glenn join Steve Bannon to talk about what they expect from the press event with President Trump in North Carolina.  Glenn and Bannon add commentary and exclusive video footage of Trump’s comments at the airport and at the following gathering with North Carolina officials. President Trump, speaking in North Carolina, criticized FEMA for its inefficiency in disaster recovery, pledging to expedite relief efforts and suggesting states should handle such crises directly for faster, more cost-effective results. He contrasted this with California, highlighting severe mismanagement of water resources and calling for policies to restore water to farmlands and cities. On the Ukraine conflict, Trump described the war as tragic and avoidable, asserting it would not have occurred under his leadership and suggesting that lowering oil prices could pressure Russia to end the war. He emphasized his “America First” agenda, advocating for voter ID laws, addressing sanctuary city policies, and prioritizing domestic issues like disaster recovery and resource management to support states and ensure election integrity. President Trump criticized FEMA for its inadequate response to North Carolina’s disaster recovery, citing bureaucratic inefficiency, slow action, and high costs. He highlighted severe water and wind damage across the state, emphasizing the devastating impact on communities, including Asheville, which went without running water for two months. Trump pledged to take strong action to expedite relief efforts, proposing reforms or potentially dismantling FEMA to allow states to manage disaster recovery directly. He argued that states, being familiar with local needs, are better equipped to handle such crises effectively. Trump expressed gratitude for the support he received during his campaign from North Carolina and commended individuals like Michael Watley, Franklin Graham, and local representatives for their contributions to recovery efforts. He acknowledged the extensive damage caused by the disaster, including 104 fatalities and the destruction of over 73,000 homes, calling it one of the worst crises he had seen. To accelerate recovery, Trump announced plans to involve the Army Corps of Engineers to address river breaks and infrastructure issues. He assured residents that North Carolina would rebuild stronger and better, highlighting his commitment to supporting the state. Trump’s remarks underscored his dissatisfaction with FEMA and his vision for a more efficient, state-led approach to disaster recovery.