Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump authorized an online fundraising project on Monday to help Hurricane Helene victims that passed $1.7 million in under 24 hours.
The GoFundMe page was launched by the Trump campaign following Trump’s visit to Valdosta, Georgia, on Tuesday.
“With so many across the Southeastern U.S. facing challenges after the storm, President Trump is on the ground in communities to see the aftermath firsthand,” the page stated.
“All donations will be directed to help those most affected by Hurricane Helene. Any level of generosity will go a long way for your fellow Americans who are suffering,” it added.
Over 9,500 donors had contributed by early Tuesday.
Some of the fundraiser’s top contributors so far have included former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler who contributed $500,000, UFC President Dana White who contributed $100,000, and Bass Pro Shops with a contribution of $100,000. Musical artist Kid Rock also donated $20,000.
“In our hearts, God is strongly with us and the American people are stronger than any challenge that stands in our way,” Trump said in his remarks to the people of Valdosta.
“Working together, we will overcome these hardships, we will endure, and we will rebuild Valdosta. We will emerge stronger, more united, and more prosperous than ever before,” he continued.
Trump accused the Biden administration of failing to help when asked about the federal government’s response.
“In a time like this, when a crisis hits, when our fellow citizens cry out in need, none of that matters. We’re not totally about politics now. We have to all get together to get this solved,” Trump said.
Before arriving on Tuesday, Trump mentioned some of the leaders he was working with in the area to provide disaster relief.
“We are now heading to Valdosta, Georgia, in order to pay my respects and bring lots of relief material, including fuel, equipment, water, and other things, to the State. Many politicians and Law Enforcement will be there. We’ll be saying hello to Franklin Graham, Burt Jones, Tyler Harper, Mike Collins, Austin Scott, Russ Goodman, Sam Watson, and the Mayor of Valdosta Scott James. They are working very hard,” he wrote on Monday to his Truth Social account.
His post also mentioned storm damage in North Carolina, noting his desire to travel to the damaged parts of the state. Trump wrote that it was currently unsafe to travel to the area as emergency crews continue rescue and recovery operations.
