**Trump Faces Backlash Over False Claims on Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts**

Former President Donald Trump is under fire for his allegations about the federal response to Hurricane Helene, which has ravaged the US southeast. Trump visited Georgia last week to assess the hurricane damage alongside Governor Brian Kemp. However, the ex-president's remarks have sparked widespread criticism, with various officials and media outlets denouncing his comments.

Trump's recent attack on Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration was met with significant pushback. In a Truth Social post, Trump falsely accused Harris and the administration of deliberately withholding aid from Republican communities. This baseless claim was dismissed by a Republican lawmaker representing hard-hit western North Carolina counties as a "junk" conspiracy.

The Charlotte Observer, North Carolina's second-largest newspaper, has strongly condemned Trump's statements. The editorial board criticized him for politicizing a natural disaster and spreading misinformation. The newspaper emphasized that state and federal agencies have been providing necessary support, and there is no evidence to back Trump's claims.

The controversy also touched on North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. The Observer's editorial took Robinson to task for perpetuating the falsehoods and failing to fulfill his duties during a critical vote to declare a state of emergency. The editorial attributed Robinson's actions to his troubled campaign, marred by a CNN investigation linking him to inappropriate online comments.

Harris herself visited Asheville, a city severely affected by the storm's flooding, to show support for the victims. Meanwhile, North Carolina's senior US Senator Thom Tillis addressed Trump's misleading assertions, clarifying that the administration's border policies are not impacting the hurricane relief efforts.

Federal aid for Helene's survivors has surpassed $45 million, with FEMA distributing over 1.5 million meals and 12.6 million liters of drinking water. President Joe Biden has authorized the deployment of 500 National Guard members equipped with advanced technology to assist in the relief efforts. FEMA has also launched a webpage to counter misinformation and assure the public of the equitable distribution of aid.

As the hurricane's devastating impact continues to be felt, the focus remains on uniting the community and providing necessary relief, rather than allowing political agendas to disrupt the recovery process.