US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were photographed boarding Air Force One on Friday for the first time in four years. The sight of the Trumps ascending the aircraft’s stairway at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland marked a return to a symbol of presidential power not seen since Trump’s departure from office on January 20, 2021.
The president and first lady, with Melania dressed in a green jacket and aviator sunglasses, were en route to North Carolina to assess the lingering damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck the state nearly four months ago.
Addressing hurricane Helene’s impact
Speaking to reporters before departing the White House, Trump expressed frustration over what he described as delays in addressing the hurricane’s aftermath.
“We’re going to North Carolina. It’s a horrible thing, the way that’s been allowed to fester. And we’re going to get it fixed up. Should have been done months ago from the hurricane that took place almost four months ago,” Trump said. “North Carolina has been treated very badly.”
California wildfire visit also on the agenda
Following the North Carolina trip, Trump headed to California to survey damage from recent wildfires. The president criticised the state’s handling of fire management, referencing water resource issues that he believes have exacerbated the crisis.
“So we’re stopping there, and we are then going to go to Los Angeles and take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow but they didn’t let the water flow, and they still haven’t for whatever reason,” Trump said. “I think we’re going to have a very interesting time.”
