Marla Maples Discusses Trump Visit
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the southeastern United States, former President Donald Trump’s visit to Valdosta, Georgia, became a rallying point for both his supporters and those seeking relief.
The storm pummeled states like Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. As efforts to rebuild began, Trump’s presence in Georgia was met with a warm response, including from his ex-wife, Marla Maples, who praised his involvement in recovery efforts.
The scale of the disaster was staggering. Atlanta alone received over 11 inches of rain in just two days, breaking a century-old record, according to USA Today. Flooding, power outages, and infrastructure damage left thousands without basic necessities, and restoring communication became a top priority for the affected regions. In response, Trump revealed that he had spoken with Elon Musk about utilizing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service to help bring communication systems back online.
Trump’s visit wasn’t purely political. He coordinated with Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian humanitarian organization founded by Franklin Graham, son of the renowned evangelical leader Billy Graham. The organization has been known for its disaster relief efforts, and its involvement underscored the gravity of the situation. Trump emphasized the non-political nature of his trip, stating, “We’re not talking about politics now,” making clear that the focus was on bringing aid to those in desperate need.
So happy to see My Daughter’s father @realDonaldTrump in my home state of Georgia He is there to support the people and communities after this horrible hurricane We have to keep praying for all of our dear friends in Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas and also in Florida……
— marla maples (@itsmarlamaples) September 30, 2024
Marla Maples, a Georgia native, expressed her support for Trump’s involvement via social media. "So happy to see My Daughter’s father @realDonaldTrump in my home state of Georgia,” she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Her message resonated with many, as she urged for continued prayers for the states hardest hit by the hurricane, including Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Florida. Maples’ words, especially in this moment of crisis, highlighted the personal and human aspect of disaster recovery, focusing on family, faith, and support.
Trump, meanwhile, provided updates on his trip and relief efforts. “We are now heading to Valdosta, Georgia, in order to pay my respects and bring lots of relief material, including fuel, equipment, water, and other things, to the State,” he shared on X.
His visit drew a number of local leaders, including Franklin Graham and several Georgia politicians such as Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Congressman Mike Collins. Trump’s acknowledgment of their hard work served as a testament to the unified effort to bring much-needed resources to the affected communities.
Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp, had already been proactive in preparing for the storm’s aftermath. On September 24, he declared a state of emergency, authorizing the use of 500 National Guard troops for recovery efforts. Kemp’s executive order also permitted commercial vehicles operating outside of normal size and weight restrictions to transport supplies, ensuring aid could reach the most heavily impacted areas swiftly.