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HAVELOCK, N.-C. – President Donald Trump pledged on Wednesday the full support and finances of the federal government to support states hit by Tropical Storm Florence while insisting that at least some of the danger of the storm continues.
Minutes after arriving in North Carolina to investigate the damage caused by the storm, Trump promised "100%" to support Governor Roy Cooper. Trump pointed out twice that even though the sky was clear and "beautiful", the surrounding state was still exposed to floods.
The president said the region was preparing for "two difficult weeks", but promised to send "a lot of money to the region".
"We need it, and we have it, and we will implement it, and there will be nothing left to lose," Trump said.
More: What the North Carolinians say about Trump's visit to see the devastation in Florence
Cooper: "Our state has taken a punch"
Trump made these statements during a carefully orchestrated briefing at Cherry Point Air Force Base in Havelock, a city of about 20,000 people located in the storm zone.
Dressed in a windbreaker and a khakis, the president sat in front of a fighter plane flanked by two dozen politicians, military officials and local leaders. Trump sometimes read remarks prepared on a piece of paper in front of him, but merely congratulated the first responders and local officials.
"There was a lot of talent. A lot of work and a lot of talent. And without the talent, it does not work either, "said Trump.
The work teams, he said, have restored food to more than 1.2 million customers in North Carolina and South Carolina, adding that "the power begins to disappear as soon as the Water drops.
Cooper, a Democrat, asked Trump to continue to support, claiming that some rivers are still "on the ridge", some residents of North Carolina are "still in danger" and it would take weeks, months or even years to to meet Florence.
"Our state has taken a punch," said the governor. "And our people are still suffering."
"I know the resilience of the North Carolinians," said Cooper. "We have an incredible state. And I know we can come back stronger than ever. But we need your help … "
"We'll be 100% there," Trump replied.
Congressmen and local politicians then congratulated Trump on the government's response to the storm and the presidential visit. At one point, Woody White, a commissioner from the neighboring county of New Hanover, said he thought the impact of the storm had been mitigated by the fact that a strong economy had put many of the city's residents back to work. North Carolina.
Trump took the opportunity to praise his own work.
"I would say maybe the best economy the country has ever had," he said.
A neighborhood hard hit by Florence
President Donald Trump speaks at a Hurriance Florence briefing at the Marine Corps Air Base at Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. (Photo: Shelley Mays / The Tennessean)
The area where Trump landed was incredibly touched by Florence last week. The stores are destroyed and the houses remain underfoot.
Havelock was broken by strong winds, which fell trees and knocked out the entire city. The Marine Corps base was also damaged: while Trump spoke, several temporary aircraft hangers, now piles of twisted metal, lay on the tarmac.
During the briefing, Trump asked a state official: "How is Lake Norman going?" Assured that everything was fine, he replied, "I love this area. I can not tell you why, but I love this area.
More coverage of Florence:
• Pig farms in North Carolina were destroyed after a historic flood
• Flooded roads hamper Florence's relief efforts; Cooper asks evacuees to stay
• The Fayetteville flood is worse than Hurricane Matthew, as Florence detonates Cape Fear
• Cape Fear River strikes important flood near Fayetteville as Florence's impact persists
There is a Trump National Golf Club on the shores of Norman Lake near Charlotte.
Four senators from the Carolinas came with Trump from D.C .: Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr of North Carolina and Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott from South Carolina.
After his presentation, it was expected that Trump would tour the area and later in the afternoon, Trump announced that he would visit parts of South Carolina with Graham.
"Some of the hard work is happening right now, even though it's beautiful and beautiful," said Trump. "The money will come as fast as you need it."
"In times of despair, we have witnessed the true character of the American people," he added. "Citizens from all over the country have mobilized to save the stranded people, protect the innocent and give hope to lost families … Our hearts are breaking for you, God bless you."
In three states, 37 people died of the storm, including 27 in North Carolina. The storm has left catastrophic floods in its wake. The Cape Fear River in Fayetteville is expected to fly Wednesday morning, nearly 30 feet above flood level.
Hundreds of roads remain closed in eastern North Carolina and drivers have been warned not to try to get to Wilmington.
He will return to the White House at 6:15 pm
The North Carolina Aviation Division flew over Interstate 40 to show how dangerous the movements in this area would be. Both sides are completely impassable after Florence brought heavy rains and deep floods.
USA TODAY & # 39; HUI
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