LOCAL
Gov. Stein plans to meet President Trump during upcoming WNC visit

Jacob Biba
Asheville Citizen Times
Published 6:26 a.m. ET Jan. 24, 2025 | Updated 6:26 a.m. ET Jan. 24, 2025

ASHEVILLE - North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is planning to meet President Donald Trump on the tarmac of Asheville Regional Airport during Trump’s Jan. 24 visit to Western North Carolina, a spokesperson for Stein told the Citizen Times.

Earlier in the week, Stein, a Democrat, said Trump’s planned visit to WNC, which was ravaged by Tropical Storm Helene nearly four months ago, was “very good news” for the region’s residents. The storm killed more than 100 people across the state and caused an estimated $60 billion in damage, according to the latest estimate from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. During Stein's first week in office, he issued five executive orders to aid Helene recovery.

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Trump in Asheville updates: President arrives, will tour Helene-hit areas

Ryley Ober, Jacob Biba
Asheville Citizen Times

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Trump left the White House by helicopter at 9:16 a.m. for his tour of disaster areas in North Carolina and California on Friday. Here’s where he is going (all times Eastern Standard Time):

11 a.m. in Fletcher, N.C.: Trump will receive a briefing on the recovery from Hurricane Helene, which flooded much of western North Carolina in September. Participants include a handful of lawmakers, state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler; state House Speaker Dustin Hall; and Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse.

12:05 p.m. in Swannanoa, N.C.: Trump meets with families affected by the hurricane. Participants include Ramona Nix, pastor of Eagle Rock Church; and people who received benefits from Samaritan’s Purse: homeowners Chris and Kim West; Thomas Bright and Jackie Mitchell; and Curtis A., Amber and Curtis B. Wright.

1:15 p.m. Trump leaves Asheville Regional Airport on a flight to Los Angeles.

5:40 p.m. Trump arrives at Los Angeles International Airport.

6:25 p.m. Trump tours the Pacific Palisades Neighborhood. Participants include Fire Capt. Jeff Brown; Jason Hing, chief deputy of emergency services for the Fire Department; and homeowners Mike and Gaby Shaw.

7:05 p.m. Trump receives an emergency briefing in Pacific Palisades. Other participants include Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; Ric Grenell, presidential envoy for special missions; Randy Moore, chief of the U.S. Forest Service; Kathryn Barger, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; and Ed Ring, director of water and policy for the California Policy Center; and a dozen House members.

8:20 p.m. Trump leaves for Los Angeles airport.

8:50 p.m. Trump flights to Las Vegas, where he will spend the night.

{and bill the Secret Service for the rooms the agents occupy. Snip.}

Trump said he didn’t invite California Sen. Adam Schiff on trip

President Donald Trump said he didn’t invite Sen. Adam Schiff, a frequent critic, on the trip to areas of Los Angeles damaged by wildfires.

“Is he going? I don't know. I mean, I really don't know,” Trump said. “You know, if he's going to be there it would be cheaper, but I didn't invite him. Somebody did."

Schiff, D-Calif., has asked that disaster aid for California not come with strings attached, after Republicans suggested potential restrictions on the funding. Schiff previously led the first House impeachment of Trump over his dealings with Ukraine and has questioned whether his nominees to become Cabinet secretaries will act independently from him.

--Bart Jansen