President Donald Trump will embark on his first official trip of his second term on Friday, focusing on areas impacted by natural disasters in North Carolina and California. The visit will include meetings with victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and those affected by devastating wildfires in California, as he emphasizes the need for better disaster preparedness and response.
Trump will begin his trip in North Carolina, meeting with communities that suffered severe flooding after Hurricane Helene last fall. His visit marks a return to the state, where he campaigned extensively during his reelection efforts. Following his stop in North Carolina, the president will fly to Los Angeles, California, to assess the damage caused by ongoing wildfires.
In Los Angeles, Trump is expected to visit Pacific Palisades, an area ravaged by the Eaton Fire. Preparations suggest he may stop at Los Angeles Fire Department Station #69, located on Sunset Boulevard, near neighborhoods severely impacted by the fire. Entire sections of the nearby “Alphabet Streets” were destroyed in the blaze, which has left many residents displaced. Reports indicate Trump may also visit the Altadena/Pasadena area to meet with victims and first responders before returning to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The use of helicopters, including V-22 Ospreys observed in Pacific Palisades, will allow the president to navigate the disaster areas efficiently while minimizing traffic disruptions. Trump will likely be joined briefly by California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D), though the extent of their participation remains unclear due to political tensions.
After his California stops, Trump is scheduled to travel to Nevada for an event, with the possibility of staying overnight at the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas before returning to Washington on Saturday morning.
This trip underscores Trump’s commitment to addressing disaster recovery efforts early in his second term, as he continues to advocate for more effective responses to natural disasters and infrastructure improvements.
