By Tiffany Williams –
On Friday, President Trump embarked on his first domestic trip following his second term inauguration, focusing on two regions that have suffered significant damage from recent natural disasters.
His first destination is western North Carolina, a region still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc on the area last year. The recovery efforts have been extensive, and the president’s visit aims to highlight his support for displaced families and infrastructure repairs.
After addressing the challenges in North Carolina, President Trump will make his way to Southern California, a state that has endured devastating wildfires that have caused widespread destruction, prompting federal assistance.
The day will conclude with President Trump traveling to Nevada, where he is slated to spend the night ahead of a highly anticipated campaign-style rally scheduled for Saturday in Las Vegas.
At 9:10 a.m., President Trump, wearing a long dark coat and white shirt with open collar made an appearance from the south portico of the White House, taking a moment to engage with a large group of reporters gathered to cover his trip. During this interaction, he expressed his surprise regarding Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski’s votes against Pete Hegseth, a point of contention among his supporters.
“Hello everybody, thank you very much. We’re going to North Carolina. It’s been a horrible thing the way that’s been allowed to fester and we’re going to get it fixed up,” said President Trump. “It should have been done months ago from the hurricane that took place almost four months ago. North Carolina’s been treated very badly so we’re stopping there. And we’re going to then go to Los Angeles and take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow but they didn’t let the water flow and they still haven’t, for whatever reason. So I think we’re going to have a very interesting time. I think many of you are going with us. If you’d like to have a ride on the plane, we’d love to give it to you.”
Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, revealed on Friday that President Donald Trump extended an invitation for him and fellow California Senator Alex Padilla to visit the state amidst the devastating wildfires engulfing Los Angeles. Schiff declined the offer, citing his commitment to the Senate’s ongoing votes on high-profile nominations put forth by Trump.
The relationship between Trump and Schiff has been extremely contentious, characterized by a long-standing rivalry that has frequently played out in the public arena since Trump took office in 2017. Schiff gained prominence as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, where he spearheaded the Democrats’ first impeachment inquiry against Trump in 2019, which was centered on allegations of abuse of power. Additionally, Schiff played a crucial role in investigating the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, where the findings concluded that Trump bore significant responsibility for inciting the violence that unfolded that day.
In a clear indication that the animosity endures, just hours after being sworn in for his second term, Trump referred to Schiff in disparaging terms, labeling him as “scum,” a comment that underscores the deep political rift between them.
When President Trump was asked Friday morning about inviting Schiff on his trip after calling him scum, he stated, “I don’t know. Is he going? Is he going? I don’t know. I mean, I really don’t know. You know, if he’s going to be there it would be cheaper but I didn’t invite him. Somebody did.”
When asked about Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s confirmation process President Trump replied, “Look, whatever it is, it is. He’s a good man. I don’t know what’s going to happen. You never know with those things but Pete’s a very, very good man. I hope he makes it. I hope he makes it. But I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that. And of course Mitch is always a no vote, I guess. Is Mitch a no vote? How about Mitch? Huh? You what? Let’s see what happens.”
When asked about Friday’s March for Life in Washington, President Trump said, “We look forward to seeing it. I’m going to be watching it and JD Vance, our vice-president, is there and he’s going to be representing us very well. It’s taking place in a little while and, other than being a little bit cold, it’s a beautiful day.”
Trump added: “As you know I just signed a pardon and, in the pardon, we released 23 people that were unjustly put in having to do with pro-life. And they will be released and they’ll be out very shortly. It was disgraceful what happened. That was a persecution.”
After being asked about giving Italy a break on tariffs, President Trump replied, “Well, I like her very much. Let’s see what happens. Have a good time.”
President Trump then walked to and boarded Marine One at 9:13 a.m., which lifted off from the South Lawn of the White House just moments later at 9:16 a.m., and made its way to Joint Base Andrews, where it landed at 9:24 a.m. Upon disembarking, President Trump acknowledged his greeters with a salute and made his way directly to Air Force One. As he ascended the steps to board, he offered a clenched fist salute to the media.
First Lady Melania Trump, along with Dan Scavino, are accompanying the president on this trip.