Trump campaigns in NC, jokes about withholding disaster aid

Former President Donald Trump campaigned for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley in North Carolina on Wednesday, making controversial remarks about federal disaster aid and drawing attention to his physical movements. The rally at Gastonia Municipal Airport came as Whatley trails former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper in polls ahead of the November midterm elections. During the event, Trump told the crowd that additional federal disaster relief money for North Carolina, still recovering from Hurricane Helene, was forthcoming. "I'm gonna get that to you, Michael," he said, referring to Whatley. He then added, "Now if Michael loses, I'm not sending it, ok?" before immediately stating, "No, I'm only kidding." The remark drew immediate criticism, with California Governor Gavin Newsom calling it "SICK!" on social media. The comment was made in the context of ongoing recovery efforts from the 2024 hurricane, which caused over $60 billion in damage and more than 100 deaths in the state. Trump also urged voters to "pretend I'm on the ballot" to boost Republican turnout, claiming that when he is on the ticket, Republicans perform well.