Former President Donald Trump collected more than $1 million on Monday to support victims of Hurricane Helene by visiting the afflicted parts of Georgia.
Following the storm, the Trump campaign created a GoFundMe page to help those most impacted by the hurricane. Trump visited the areas most affected by Helene to observe the destruction first hand.
“With so many across the Southeastern U.S. facing challenges after the storm, President Trump is on the ground in communities to see the aftermath firsthand,” the page states. “All donations will be directed to help those most affected by Hurricane Helene. Any level of generosity will go a long way for your fellow Americans who are suffering.”
The effort was bankrolled by a star-studded list of donors. That also included a $500,000 donation from former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler of Georgia and Bass Pro Shop with another $100,000. Dana White, the president of Ultimate Fighting Championship and a friend of Trump, also pledged $100,000.
Billionaire hedge fund manager William Ackman, an array of celebrity Kid Rock, GOP Wyoming Senator John Barrasso and attorney Dan Newlin chipped in with other large donations as well.
In a stop in Valdosta, Georgia on Saturday night, Trump attacked the way the federal government handled its hurricane response.
“Our hearts are with you and we are going to be with you as long as you need it,” he said, flanked by a group of elected officials and Republican supporters.
President Joe Biden, in turn, countered many of Trump’s comments.
“I don’t know why he does this,” Biden said. “I don’t care about what he says about me, but I care what he what he communicates to people that are in need. He implies that we’re not doing everything possible. We are. We are.”
More than 100 deaths linked to Hurricane Helene as of Monday evening.
