Former President Donald Trump's recent visits to communities impacted by natural disasters underscore his focus on connecting with everyday Americans, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. In her first official briefing, Leavitt emphasized the significance of Trump's travels to areas affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and wildfires in California.

Leavitt drew a parallel between these trips and Trump's 2023 visit to East Palestine, Ohio, following the train derailment. She portrayed this earlier visit as a pivotal moment in the previous election cycle, highlighting Trump's empathy and concern for those facing hardship. She suggested that this focus on connecting with people on the ground resonated with voters and contributed to his appeal as a “man of the people.”

Leavitt underscored that Trump’s recent trips to both a red state (North Carolina) and a blue state (California) demonstrate his commitment to all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations. She contrasted this with what she described as a perceived neglect of these communities by the Biden administration, suggesting that residents felt overlooked and forgotten. Leavitt reinforced Trump’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of all Americans, regardless of whether they supported him politically.

Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage across a wide swath of the southeastern United States, from Georgia to Virginia, with particularly devastating impacts in North Carolina. The hurricane led to severe flooding, the collapse of infrastructure, and the displacement of numerous communities. Concurrent wildfires in California left countless homes destroyed, including that of actor Mel Gibson, who recently spoke about the widespread devastation and resilience of the affected residents.