Trump Draws Backlash After Linking Additional North Carolina FEMA Aid to GOP Senate Win

GASTONIA, N.C. — President Donald Trump drew criticism Wednesday after telling supporters at a North Carolina campaign rally that additional federal disaster aid for the state would depend on Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley winning his race, before saying he was joking.

Trump appeared in Gastonia on Sept. 16 to campaign for Whatley, who is running against Democratic former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper in the Nov. 3 midterm election. 

During his remarks, Trump discussed federal assistance provided to North Carolina as communities continue recovering from Hurricane Helene, which devastated portions of the state in 2024.

“We spent more than $2 billion in FEMA funding, and you know you’re waiting for some additional money,” Trump told the crowd before addressing Whatley directly. “I’m going to get that to you, Michael. Now, if Michael loses, I’m not sending it.”

Trump then added that he was “only kidding.” The comments prompted a mixture of laughter and groans from the audience and quickly drew criticism online. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, criticized the remarks on social media, accusing Trump of threatening to make disaster assistance contingent on how North Carolina voters cast their ballots. 

The White House has pointed to more than $2 billion in federal disaster assistance already provided as part of North Carolina’s recovery. Trump used the Gastonia appearance to promote Whatley while again urging Republican voters to approach the midterms as though the president himself were on the ballot. 

The rally comes as Trump takes an increasingly prominent role in Republicans’ midterm campaign. At the Republican convention in Dallas last week, he similarly urged supporters to “pretend that I’m on the ballot” as the party works to retain control of Congress. 

Trump has also promised a $5,000 payment to every U.S. adult if Republicans retain congressional control. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said such payments would require congressional approval and that details about how the proposal would be funded still need to be worked out. 

The North Carolina Senate contest is one of several races being closely watched as voters prepare to determine control of Congress in the November midterms. Trump has said he plans to campaign extensively for Republican candidates during the final weeks before Election Day. 

Trump: “We spent more than $2 billion in FEMA funding. You’re waiting for some additional funding. I’m gonna get that to you. Now if Michael loses, I’m not sending it.”

Crowd: *groans* pic.twitter.com/RdZBi1qLfq

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 17, 2026