President Trump on Friday met with families in Western North Carolina battered by Hurricane Helene and told them that the Biden administration’s response was insufficient.

“Unfortunately, our government failed you,” Mr. Trump told the crowd in Swannanoa.

Mr. Trump ticked off a list of problems that remain in the region four months after Helene devastated that part of the state. He pointed to a lack of running water, roads closed and the displacement of North Carolinians forced to leave temporary housing provided by the government.

“Under the Trump administration, the days of betrayal and neglect are over,” he said. “I’m pleased to announce that under our leadership, the federal government will be surging housing solutions to the state that go beyond mere temporary hotel stays that ended up being very short term. The government wouldn’t do it any longer, which is ridiculous.”

Earlier this month thousands of displaced residents were kicked out of hotel and motel rooms paid by FEMA, despite the agency extending the housing deadline through March.

Mr. Trump invited several of those affected by the storm to speak about their experiences.

SEE ALSO: ‘A forgotten land’: Appalachians still enduring devastation from Hurricane Helene

“We watched our garage float by,” one of the victims told the president. “I think we are at a point in Asheville where everyone has forgotten about Asheville.”

A local pastor told Mr. Trump that “FEMA did nothing.” She said most of the relief came from local charitable organizations.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.